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“Informing and Inspiring the Central Ohio

Faith Community”

BE MINDFULYou must do the things you think you cannot do.

Dr. Richard WingSenior Minister

Journey's End Marks New BeginningsWhat we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from. —T. S. Eliot

We are close to ending our twenty-

three year relationship after I answered your call to become Senior Minister in the fall of 1993. Now, you stand at the beginning of a new relationship with Dr. R. Glen Miles as your new Senior Minister, affirmed by a congregational vote on January 8, 2017.

I will end my work on March 31. Glen will begin his work April 1, 2017.

A word about Glen. We have known each other for 35 years. Glen was my Associate Minister in both Northern

and Southern California before he went on to be the Senior Minister at Sandy Springs Christian Church in Atlanta, Georgia and Country Club Christian Church in Kansas City, Missouri.

I can’t tell you how joyful I was when you affirmed him on January 8 with a unanimous vote of affirmation! He is a fantastic choice and together you will carry this church forward in a day that has never needed our message of love and inclusivity more.

In answer to “the questions” we get the most, here are some details:

Shirley and I purchased a condominium in Scottsdale, AZ in June of 2016; Our last Sunday here is March 26; Our house goes on the market in Upper Arlington in April and we will make the “big move” to Arizona after we close on a sale.

The BIG question: “Dick, what are you going to do in retirement?”

First, I will make no commitments for the first year (good advice from retired colleagues). Second, I am in contact with the United Church of Christ and Disciples of Christ to see what I might do with pulpit supply or interim ministry in Arizona, Southern California and Hawaii. Third, I am in contact with the Catholic Chaplain who serves death row in Arizona with an interest in teaching meditation to prisoners. Fourth, I am in contact with Mayan Family Foundation in Guatemala who have interest in me promoting their work. Fifth, I have been asked to consider doing national speaking on a variety of subjects including, “how to maintain perspective in a time of the acceleration of speed of everything in our lives.”

2 FEBRUARY 1 - 28, 2017 | firstnews

firstnews ArticlesInclude the date, contact person’s name, phone number and/or email address with all submissions to:

email - [email protected] fax - (614) 488-2763phone - (614) 488-0681

The deadline for all submissions is 12 pm on the 15th of each month. We reserve the right to edit all submissions.

firstnews is a communications mission of First Community Church, published for church members and the community to share insights, educate and inform.

Editor & Publisher Michael [email protected]

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First Community Church firstnews (USPS 196-300) is published monthly by First Community C h u rc h , 1 3 2 0 C a m b r i d g e Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43212-3200. Periodicals postage paid at Columbus, Ohio. Subscription rates — U.S. First Community membe r s - $1 / yea r ; non -members - $25/year. Canadian or foreign subscriptions must be paid in U.S. dollars. For non-U.S. rates, call the firstnews office. Postmaster: Send address changes to First Community Church, 1320 Cambridge Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43212-3200.

PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHAEL BARBER

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South Campus 1320 Cambridge Blvd. Columbus, Ohio 43212 (614) 488-0681 Fax: (614) 488-2763

North Campus 3777 Dublin Rd. Columbus, Ohio 43221 (614) 488-0681 Fax: (614) 777-4098

Camp Akita 29746 Logan-Hornsmill Rd. Logan, Ohio 43138 (740) 385-3827, ext. 222 Fax: (740) 385-1712

OPINION & EDITORIAL

Joan Bell-Haynes Love this photo! Nothing like walking into your call! Congratulations Glen Miles & Julie Miles!

Jennifer Fry So excited for the future of FCC!

Paul Svenson Rock ‘em Miles!! Congratulations.

Sheryl Piskuric So happy for you, Glen and Julie! I hope you both will come back to visit us. You will be greatly missed. First Community Church, I hope you know how blessed you all are to have him.

Lisa Palmer Moore WOW! What a wonderful WELCOMING! He’s stepping into some great HISTORY IN THE MAKING....hope he’s wearing some “big shoes”...can’t wait to hear him one day! So happy for FCC!

Becki Whiting Harr Welcome Glen and Julie! We are thrilled to have you join our First Community family!

Phil McMahan God called, you answered. May you continue to have a blessed ministry.

Kurt Taube Welcome aboard Dr. Miles!

Tina Howard McGuire Your new church is very fortunate and we at Country Club Christian will miss both you and Julie. Best of luck.

Jennifer Bogen Morrison Wonderful sermon today. I trust it will be the first of many.

Penny Stacy Prayers for his call and for the church’s future under his leadership

Charlita Shelton The Rev/Dr. Miles! “You’ve come a long way!” And, fully deserving of the best life has to offer.

Kimberly Lundine This is wonderful! Preacher man, Poet, Peace Warrior. And Julie is beaming. You both will be missed.

Charlaine Menendian Wonderful service today. So happy to have you and Julie come to First Community.

Mary Jacobs Blessings on the new part of your journey.

Linda J. Shelton Don said to tell you how proud he is of you! Me too!

Sue Wilson We are thrilled and very positive about this next era @ FCC!

I am, as I said one year ago, standing daily before God saying, “Nudge me God whichever way you want and need.” I will keep listening. Finally, I owe everything to my wife Shirley, who has blessed me as I go out the door daily to serve this marvelous church. Right now, I would like her to have every moment she wants of me, as my gratitude for her undying love and affirmation of all I do. Actually, many worry that I would “drive her nuts” if I were home all the time. Good thinking folks! I will seek to give attention AND absence in ways she needs. We look forward to working it all out.

There is time left for things we all want to say. For now, accept my gratitude for the greatest adventure of my life with the most fulfilling “God moments” ever. Your blessings and affirmation have changed my life in ways I will seek to thank you the rest of my life.

I remain, forever grateful.

From the moment Julie and I walked into the North Campus early on Sunday, January 8, to the end of our time at the South Campus later that afternoon, we experienced a very warm and gracious welcome.

The positive energy in both worship services, the spiritually-rich leadership of

the clergy and the tremendously talented choir all spoke to the greatness of First Community Church.

We were humbled at every turn by your readiness to begin this new ministry and by a palpable sense of the Spirit’s presence. During the Congregational Meeting following the 11 am service at South Campus, Julie and I waited quietly in the library. It felt good to take a deep breath and relax for a few minutes as you all were asked to vote on the new call.

Julie was not ready to relax, however. She immediately commented on many wonderful people she had already met and excitedly described the beauty of the music and liturgy at both services. I took another breath and joined in with her excitement about the day. We sounded like a couple of kids who had just ridden the best rollercoaster ever!

A few minutes later, we heard applause. I smiled and said, “I think that’s a good sign.” After the meeting was over, it was really good to talk to many, many people about their hopes and dreams for the days ahead. I am pretty sure I heard about every ministry area from Akita to Mission Trips to Music Ministry to Early Childhood to...well, everything. I’ve already spent a great deal of time reading through First Community’s history and the website too. I can already say with confidence, “This is a great church!” Our first official Sunday together will be April 2. Right now, it seems like a long way away but I know it will come quickly. In the meantime, Julie and I will be busy selling our house here in Kansas City, saying goodbye to the remarkable folks of Country Club Christian Church and doing all of the work necessary to make the move to Columbus. There will be some transitional activities for you all too. None more important than the time you will spend celebrating the greatness of Dick Wing’s loving and prophetic ministry. Today I took another deep breath and then gave thanks to God for this new beginning we are about to share. Julie and I could not be more excited and we look forward to seeing all of you on April 2. Grace and Peace to you.

Dr. Glen MilesIncoming Senior Minister

A Humbling and Exciting DayCongregational Vote Ushers New Era

BEGINNINGSFROM PAGE 1

Editor’s Note: On January 8, well-wishers from First Community Church and across the country reacted to our Facebook announcement that Dr. Glen Miles had been affirmed as Senior Minister. A few of the 47 comments are listed below.

firstnews | FEBRUARY 1 - 28, 2017 3

One Church, One VoteLeft: Acolyte Anna Obergefell prepares to enter South Campus Sanctuary carrying the processional cross. Anna was selected to offer the second motion during the congregational

meeting, officially accepting the Governing Board’s motion to affirm Rev. Dr. Glen Miles. Right: Dr. Miles’ sermon was titled Love Finds a Way.

I promise to bring the best of who I am as a pastor, as a person, as a husband and

father and, hopefully as your friend, to First Community Church.”

— Rev. Dr. Glen Miles.

First Community Church Unanimously Affirms Dr. Glen Miles as New Senior Minister

Above: Senior Minister Search Committee members Ginny Barney, left (Chair) and Barb Burgie Satterfield, right, applaud the congregation’s vote. Left: Dr. Miles accepts the vote and vows to bring the best of himself to First Community.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHAEL BARBER


A New SeniorThe Historic Day In Pictures

Above: Dr. Ronald Jenkins, Minister of Music and Liturgy, protects his face from a cold, winter wind as he enters North Campus. Morning temperatures were near 10 degrees. Right: A capacity crowd of 405 fills Grace Hall to receive Dr. Miles' message.

BY MICHAEL BARBER

A young boy and his family worship behind Dr. Glen Miles during services at North Campus January 8. Dr. Miles preached first at North, then South, prior to a congregational vote.

Tom Root leads worship ahead of the sermon.


While riding in the back seat of a car driven by Search Committee member Mike Zook, Dr. Miles adjusts his microphone headset as his wife Julie looks on.

Church members gather for a chance to briefly meet Dr. Miles and Julie at North Campus. Dr. Miles and Julie quickly make their way to South Campus.

Dr. Miles and his wife Julie share an embrace outside of Grace Hall shortly after he delivered his sermon.

Dr. Miles converses with a young congregant while greeting many in attendance.


With little time to spare, Dr. Miles and his wife Julie quickly make their way from a crowded South Campus parking lot to the back door of the church.

Top: While taking a moment to gather his thoughts, Dr. Miles peeks out from the South Campus audio room to greet a passerby. Above: Flanked by Senior Minister Search Committee members Barbara Davis, left, and Ginny Barney (Chair), right, Julie Miles listens to her husband’s sermon at South Campus.

A New SeniorThe Historic Day In Pictures

Dr. Miles enjoys music sung by the First Community Church Chancel Choir prior to delivering his sermon.


The South Campus Sanctuary serves a capacity crowd of 815 people moments before a congregational vote would usher in a new era.

Church member Jeanne Blair embraces Dr. Miles after he officially accepts leadership of First Community Church. Jean was Administrative Assistant to Dr. Richard Wing for 6 years.

Search Committee member Barb Davis (center) shares a laugh with Dr. Miles and committee member Barbara Burgie Satterfield during a reception held at the home of committee chair Ginny Barney after the vote.

On bended knee, Dr. Miles illustrates a heartfelt story during his sermon.

First Community Minister to Staff Rev. Paul Baumer (left) Executive Minister Dr. Deborah Lindsay and Minister of Music and Liturgy Dr. Ronald Jenkins enjoy a light moment from the chancel during Dr. Miles' sermon titled Love Finds a Way.


A MONTH OF SUNDAYS

FEBRUARY 5 C

DEDICATION/INSTALLATION

8:30 am Burkhart Chapel, SC Dr. Lindsay preaching

9:15 am Grace Hall, NC Rev. Shaner preaching

10:30 am Grace Hall, NC Rev. Shaner preaching

11 am Sanctuary, SC Dr. Lindsay preaching

FEBRUARY 12 A

8:30 am Burkhart Chapel, SC Rev. Shaner preaching

9:15 am Grace Hall, NC Dr. Lindsay preaching



FEBRUARY 19 B

8:30 am Burkhart Chapel, SC Rev. Baumer preaching




FEBRUARY 26 C

8:30 am Burkhart Chapel, SC Rev. Long preaching




MARCH 5 B

BAPTISMS

8:30 am Burkhart Chapel, SC Rev. Hett preaching

9:15 am Grace Hall, NC Rev. Long preaching

10:30 am Grace Hall, NC Rev. Long preaching

11 am Sanctuary, SC Rev. Hett preaching

A Indicates Usher Assignments

For more information:

Click: FCchurch.com

Email: [email protected]

Call: (614) 488-0681

Visit: The Welcome Centers

Heart to Heart Special Offering n By Linda Larrimer

An opportunity to support First Community Church’s food pantry exists on Sunday, February 12 with a special offering accepted during worship services. An open house for the food pantry, located in the Annex Building of our South Campus on Cambridge Blvd., will follow worship, 12:15 - 1:15 pm.

Heart to Heart relies exclusively on donations, both monetary and in kind, to stock its pantry shelves. Your offering will enable the pantry to purchase food from the Mid-Ohio Foodbank at reduced costs. Heart to Heart is a much-needed resource for our community. It is a choice pantry with clients shopping

in a store atmosphere and selecting items that work for their families. Clients come from many zip codes, but are limited to one visit every 30 days.

The pantry has experienced increased client numbers from year to year. On Tuesday, January 10, seventy-five families were served. Last year, Heart to Heart served nearly

400 households each month. In 2016, the pantry served 16,885 individuals and 152,000 meals. This was an increase of more than 30,000 from 2015. Your past generosity has stocked the shelves of Heart to Heart and fed the hungry in our community. Director Lamar Graham and volunteers work diligently to put your donation to good use.

Jackie CherryChurch Historian

A Brief History of First Community ChurchEditor’s Note: ‘Firstnews’ writer and church historian Jackie Cherry has not only contributed greatly by telling stories of church history so engaging you would think you’ve experienced them firsthand, she has also provided tremendous encouragement during the development of this newspaper. Due to the loss of her husband, Don, Jackie was unable to write for us this month. As no ‘firstnews’ is complete without her byline, we submit, for your enlightenment, this timeless article on church history written two years ago.

Our church has been unique from the earliest days of its founding as Grandview Heights Congregational Church more than a century ago. It was not established when a denomination came into the area and decided that there

was need for a church, but rather when the residents themselves made that decision after they had begun holding Sunday School classes in the Harding School on April 18,1909. With its success and popularity, every household was polled to determine what denomination their church should be. Responses from 175 people indicated twenty-one denominational backgrounds with a majority of nine favoring the Congregational Church. A committee met downtown with Dr. Washington Gladden, the nationally prominent minister of First Congregational Church, where a resolution was adopted to establish a church in Grandview. The Congregational Building Society promised to fund a third of the cost of buying land and erecting a church. On Sunday April 25, 1910, Dr. Gladden presided as 87 persons united to become charter members of the fledgling church. Although Fred Brownlee, a protégé of Dr. Gladden, was still a student at Union Theological Seminary, he agreed to serve as minister to the young congregation. Two lots on the corner of Lincoln Road and First Avenue were purchased for $1,000 and the cornerstone was laid on April 23, 1911. Fred Brownlee proved to be a wise leader who preached inspiring sermons, worked enthusiastically with young people, and visited the home of every family at least once a year. In October 1914, he left to complete his seminary studies. The young congregation flourished under the leadership of Rev. Oliver Weist, who succeeded Brownlee in 1915. In addition to serving the spiritual needs of his flock, Mr. Weist believed that a church should also do whatever was necessary to meet the social needs of all the people within the community at large. One of his first projects was to collect enough books to establish a lending library

at the church. Another example of public service involved The Community News, a weekly newspaper published in the church basement and delivered to residents. It grew in size and influence until it was sold in 1928 and became The Tri-Village News. Before entering seminary, Rev. Weist had been a professional singer. He contributed his musical talents and experience by organizing a church choir that he directed until relinquishing leadership to Eleanor Silbernagle in 1921. He also formed a community orchestra and men’s glee club. Anyone was permitted to play the church’s organ so long as they scheduled a practice time with the secretary. Groups outside the church were encouraged to use our building for meetings. The Men’s Brotherhood, a forum for many civic projects, was open to all men of the villages and met monthly at the church where dinner was served by the Women’s Guild. The Guild welcomed all women to join in promoting the welfare of the church and community. One of their projects was hiring a kindergarten teacher for the children of the many Italian immigrants who had moved into the area to work in the quarries, so that they could learn English before entering school. June 16, 1916, was the first Field Day, a tradition lasting for ten years that grew out of a decision by the teachers that they should plan something bigger and better

than the usual Sunday School picnic to begin the summer. A queen reigned over the day’s festivities which included a parade, field events, a baseball game, concerts and dinner at the church. Another of Rev. Weist’s ideas in 1919 was to show a movie at the church to end Field Day. Movies proved to be so popular that they were shown weekly until the Grandview Theater opened in 1926. Because of the high degree of involvement in every facet of community life, this congregation believed that they were indeed “the community church.” The trustees 1915 annual report stated, “This church was established for every person in this community. When you establish your residence here, we ask you to join with your neighbors for one good strong church, one where you can attend easily, where you feel you are part owner and for whose success you will work with all your heart.”

When a Methodist church was built a few blocks away, Rev. Weist noted in his 1916 report that we were no longer the community church, yet the services we offered were far more than worship alone. There was a strong postwar feeling following the Great War that Christians should get together and emphasize the things upon which they agreed rather than magnify their differences. The war with its emphasis on cooperation, efficiency and economy did much to

SEE HISTORY, PAGE 16

The South Campus Sanctuary under construction was dedicated in January, 1926.


Ash Wednesday Services March 1

n By Ronald Jenkins

First Community Church will celebrate Ash Wednesday on Wednesday evening, March 1, 7 pm at our North Campus. Please visit FCchurch.com for details.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Season of Lent, which is 40 days long, not counting Sundays which are always a celebration of the resurrection. The forty days of Lent mirror the 40 days Jesus spent fasting and being tempted in the wilderness. Historically, Ash Wednesday meant a beginning of fasting, repentance and serious reflection on one’s life and renewing the desire to follow Jesus’ teachings.

At the end of the service ashes are gently marked on one’s forehead by a minister. The ashes are created by burning a previous year’s palm leaves from Palm Sunday. The dark, ash mark stands as a visual reminder of one’s

commitment to follow the path of Jesus.Traditionally, our service has many of the elements of a Taizé Service.

The congregation sits surrounding a platform in the center of Grace Hall on which a large, roughly hewn wooden cross is tilted on its side, surrounded by dozens of votive candles. Directly under the cross are three red votive candles representing the three crosses on Golgotha. The cross is tilted on its side to symbolically ‘invite’ the worshipper to pick up and carry the cross as Simon of Cyrene did for Jesus when Jesus fell while carrying the cross to his crucifixion.

The service provides a simple yet meaningful moment in time to step away from the busy pattern of one’s day to hear scriptures read, sing simple, meditative songs, light candles, and immerse one’s mind and heart in periods of peaceful silence for reflection.

Hunger Hoedown n By Amy Caskie

The third-annual Hunger Hoedown is Friday, February 3 at 6 pm. This church-wide family-friendly event held at the North Campus includes square dancing, pizza, a raffle and fun for the whole family. Professional calling by Eddie Powell. No previous square

dancing experience required.

Proceeds raised at the event benefit Heart to Heart food pantry, an important mission of the church. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and will be available after Sunday services and at the door. Can’t wait to see ya’ll there.

Foundation CornerRecent grants approved by the Foundation Board of Trustees include: A grant of $2,500 to South Campus Facilities to remove large limbs posing a safety concern, clean up the grounds and prepare

for the upcoming expansion project. A portion of the existing playground will be removed and the large sycamore tree located within the playground has limbs that need removing to avoid interference with construction.

A new playground on the north end of the property has shrubs, limbs and trees which need removed in order to accommodate the playground, fencing and adhere to licensing codes and regulations. Funding for this grant will come from the First Community Church Permanent Endowment Fund.

A grant of up to $20,000 to South Campus Facilities to replace the Gallery Court HVAC system which failed late this past summer. The unit is 41-years-old and only used to provide cool air. Funding for this grant will come from the following funds: $16,500 from the First Community Church Permanent Endowment Fund and $3,500 from the Roy A. Burkhart Memorial Fund.

The Foundation received a request from South Campus Facilities for up

to $135,000 to replace the 1984 chiller unit, specifically for the Sanctuary.

This project includes installation of a unit to cool the chancel area, reconfiguration of the existing venting system in the Sanctuary and calibration of thermostats. A grant of $69,200 of the $135,000 was recommended by the Grants Committee and the $69,200 was approved by the Board of Trustees.

This grant will cover the bid for the Sanctuary HVAC and the use of a crane to place the HVAC over the choir room. (The remaining dollars earmarked for the Chancel area HVAC will be considered in 2017). Of this $69,200 amount, $62,026.93 will completely utilize all remaining funds in the 2016 Budget.

Due to the extenuating circumstances of needing to install this HVAC system prior to the installation of a new playground, the Foundation Board specifically approved the expenditure of $7,173.07 over the 2016 Approved Spending Budget to cover this grant request. Funding for this grant will come from the following two sources: $40,000 from the Roy A. Burkhart Memorial Fund and $29,200 from the Ken and Marty Fishel Endowment Fund.

The total grants approved by First Community Foundation in 2016 were $484,466.

Walter NeffFoundation Chair


Febuary is here. I was hoping we might slip by it directly into March, but that did not happen. I at least eliminated the extra “r”. We do not say “Febrrrruary” so why print it? I suppose any attempt to change it would

require Congressional hearings. The animal kingdom ignores Febuary. They all just snuggle in their dens until it gets warmer. February, (my computer just sharply admonished me for making the “r” change and I have to keep it happy) is a totally gray month. If you wear all gray outer clothing when you venture outside, be very careful when crossing streets as you will be invisible! At least wear a red scarf so other pedestrians won’t accidently bowl you over. Fortunately, this year March 1 is Ash Wednesday so activity will pick up soon. I am sure our church staff is

already mentally into March. God bless them all for their dedication. February does have one bright spot and that is Valentine’s Day. I wonder if large retailers will hold “Red Monday” on the 13th and open their doors at 5 am with special bargain prices on chocolate goodies? I hope they do not push putting outside lights back up! This is a holiday everyone can participate in without any concern for religion or politics. All you need to do is tell someone that you love them, or even just that you like them or appreciate them and perhaps back that up by doing something nice for them. I live in a retirement community and while some of our residents have many visitors, others seem to be alone except for the care of a very committed staff. Their mail seems be limited to requests for donations. In these days of “if it isn’t computer generated it isn’t pertinent,” there are probably less Valentine cards sold. I think some of the messages I get on my laptop, adorned with colorful graphics

are cool, but it is still hard to beat a card that brings a laugh or a tear to the recipient and that is still on the kitchen table for weeks. This is probably the only holiday we have where we can bring a little happiness into the lives of other persons, easily and inexpensively, even if these folks are strangers. A friend recently got a Christmas gift of a box of individually wrapped “Cheryl’s” cookies. Just for the heck of it he handed out a cookie to a number of folks who work in the place where he lives when he ran into them in the hallways . No big deal, just “Merry Christmas.” He was surprised at the response. He says the reaction from some of the folks was more like he had handed them $50 bills.

Maybe we each can brighten the month of February for someone and give ourselves a reason to smile into the bathroom mirror aduring this especially gray month. Go buy a few Valentines and send them to folks you know but for whom the card will be a pleasant surprise.

Don Jameson

Life Goes OnSeeing Red in a Month of Gray

I have been on a personal journey ever since my wife Bobbie and I served with 300 members of First Community Church who facilitated our Faith and American Politics (FAP) program.

FAP was designed to engage our members in a meaningful exercise in civil discourse. My journey began with the realization that our good work at the church would go for naught if we didn’t expand the reach of the concept. In the summer of 2012, while I was still in the Ohio House of Representatives, I developed a workshop called Building Trust through Civil Discourse, modeled after FAP that was intended for presentation to colleagues in state legislatures around the country.

The first in-state workshop was done in Ohio in December of 2012. In the four

years since, I have helped facilitate 22 workshops in 15 states.

We have trained 40 legislators from 20 different states to be co-facilitators of the workshop. Each workshop is facilitated by a bipartisan team of legislators. We have now had over 500 legislators participate in the workshops, with a number of additional states to be scheduled in the next few months. The level of interest spiked in 2016 and has increased substantially as elected officials react to one of the most divisive and uncivil national elections in recent history. One of the key components of our workshop is called the Political Journey. We ask the participants to think about the event or person in their lives that had the most impact on determining their personal values.

As an introduction to the exercise we present a brief video, called Unlikely

Friendships (http://bit.ly/2iEoakb), which features two individuals who are far apart on the political spectrum but agree to meet to learn more about each other.

One of the individuals says, “When people have the courage to show someone who they are, something happens.” And, indeed, something has been happening in all our workshops: legislators are beginning to truly listen to understand each other, they are finding ways to work across the aisle, and they are joining forces with colleagues to bridge their partisan differences. As I think about the many personal stories I have heard from these legislators, I realize that this storytelling exercise is a powerful tool in building understanding and civil discourse. I think about the wonderful group I participated in here at First Community during our FAP sessions and hope that we can all begin to find “unlikely friendships” with whom we can share our stories.

We are at a very fragile time now and the urge is to retreat into our familiar groupings and hunker down.

But now more than ever, we need to reach out and begin an effort to find our common purpose.

Former State Representative Ted Celeste is the founder and director of Next Generation, a project of the National Institute for Civil Discourse, where Celeste serves as the Director of State Programs. Celeste served in the Ohio Legislature from 2007-2012. Known for working effectively “across the aisle” whether he was in the majority or the minority, he has lived his belief in respectful dialogue. He was recognized for his emphasis on civil dialogue with the John Glenn Public Policy Institute’s Outstanding Public Service Award in 2011. Celeste lives in Columbus, Ohio, is married to Bobbie and has two daughters and 3 grandchildren.

Ted Talks Faith, Politics on the Road

Ted Celeste

Garage SaleGood News, Bad News

n By Beth Hanson

Since last June, the Mission Council Garage Sale pick-up crew has been quietly squirreling away furniture and other treasures for our Garage Sale May 19 and 20 and the good news is that donations have been extremely generous.

The bad news is that we have just filled up our 1,700-square-foot storage facility and have no more room to store any of the items that are offered to us on a weekly basis. We would love to find another location on the northwest side of town (in proximity to North Campus) where we can store donations from February thru the middle of May. Do you or anyone you know have a place where we could safely store donations of furniture and cardboard boxes (that is safe from the elements and varmints)? If you have an idea, please contact Beth Hanson at [email protected] or (614) 488-6526


Baptism Sunday Our next baptism Sunday during worship will be March 5 at both the North and South Campuses.

To schedule a baptism or for more information, please contact Paula Russell, Director of Congregational Care, at [email protected] or (614) 488-0681 ext. 228.

If you are scheduling a baptism for the first time at First Community Church, there will be a baptism class on Tuesday, February 28 from 7-8 pm in the Wicker Room, South Campus. Rev. Jim Long, Minister of Pastoral Care, will explain the meaning and practice of baptism and what occurs during the baptism. Leigh Anne Easterling, Director of Early Childhood Ministries and Mary Evans Child Development Center, will share opportunities at First Community Church for families with young children.

Camp Akita Fun DayAkita Council invites everyone to save the date of Sunday, April 23 for a Camp Akita afternoon of fun and relaxation from 1-5 pm.

More details of the afternoon’s activities to follow in the March edition of firstnews.

Schedule a Private Tour Today!Know. Understand. Care.

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Communities for Life

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(614) 888-7492www.wesleyglen.com

5155 North High StreetColumbus, Ohio 43214

n By Scot Nicoll

Katie Shough (Pongonis) is an elementary school teacher in the Olentangy School District. She is married to Jason with two daughters; Emerson, 4 and Charlotte, 2. Katie was a camper in the late ‘90s until 2001 and was on staff from 2002-2005.

Who was a counselor that had a big impact on you?

My favorite cabin counselor was Shelly Smith. She made my friends and me feel welcome from the moment we stepped off the bus until our tearful goodbye in the gravel circle as we headed home. She was enthusiastic about every activity and coaxed me out of my shy shell to fully experience all the fun camp had to offer. We danced our hearts out at Primetime, laughed as we held each other close and flew down the soap slide and sat up talking into the wee hours of the morning about who we were, struggles we faced, where we were in our faith journey and our dreams for the future. She was present, she listened and she celebrated us for who we were. And, oh how she could make us laugh!

What is your favorite song at Akita?

My favorite song to sing at camp is It’s Amazing. I love the song so much. In fact, I often sing it to my daughters as I rock them to sleep. The song speaks of the power and importance of God’s love. He’s there, always. And His love follows us wherever we go. It truly is amazing!

Did your decision to be a teacher have anything to do with your time as a counselor?

I always knew I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up. Being an Akita Counselor and spending my summers in those magical hills, however, taught me the kind of teacher I wanted to be; a teacher who is present. A teacher who celebrates each kid for exactly who they are. A teacher who makes everyone feel accepted and welcome. And, of course, a teacher who is fun.

All of the things I admired in my counselors/Akita staff and tried to be for my campers.

If you could have a video of one camp memory over the years, what would it be?

Love that place so much, the people who fill it and the joy that fills my heart every time I travel down that gravel road. But, if I had to pick just one memory, I’d love to go back to my last cabin at old camp with Shelly as our counselor and hear our late night chats and the giggles we shared when the Mexico Singers - Gabe, Ben, JR and Jason - came to serenade us and brought us breakfast in bed for winning a contest at the soap slide carnival.

Katie Shough, with husband and former counselor Jason, daughters Emerson and Charlotte.

Camp Akita Alumni Conversation


n By Rev. David Hett In order to both honor our tradition and to recognize the new, fully inclusive ministry that has been the vision of our Center for Spiritual Search, the center’s steering committee has chosen this new name, The Burkhart Center, with a new logo. With this name change we recognize our indebtedness to our revered forefather at First Community Church, Dr. Roy Burkhart, who was a champion of our church’s mission to offer vibrant and varied paths for life-long human development. We also recognize that in our era, many are looking outside the church and spiritual life for meaning. The Burkhart Center is a place where people of any faith tradition, or of no tradition, can enter into

innovative programs, practices and conversations in safe, sacred spaces for reflection, connection and growth. As early as the 1940s, Dr. Burkhart opened the American Protestant Church to incorporating modern depth psychology into spiritual practice and theological understanding and began the practice of inviting “Spiritual Searchers” from all traditions to assist our growth, people

like the Jewish psychotherapist Victor Frankl and the famous psychologist out of the tradition of Carl Jung, James Hillman and many others. He made possible the practical pursuit of the “infinite quest” that is the motto of our faith community. The Burkhart Center continues this tradition of supporting psychological-spiritual development through a variety of processes, practices and presentations.

You’ll see programs on meditation, behavioral change, yoga, mindfulness and more; book studies and small group experiences, spiritual practices and retreats, as well as online opportunities for growth. And, of course, you’ll experience the value of special Spiritual Searcher weekends and events like last year’s programs with Rev. Terry Hershey on creating sanctuary, Nancy Ellen Abrams on science and spirituality, and Piper Kerman, author of Orange is the New Black and prison reform advocate.

Our usual range of Adult Learning opportunities, classes, Bible studies, theology discussions and book groups will continue to be a part of our church life as well.

Introducing The Burkhart Center

Christianity 101 Considers ‘The Last Week’ for Lent

n By Kirsten Dove

The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ are central to our Christian faith and liturgy, but how much do you really know and understand about what happened to Jesus during the week leading up to Easter? Join Christianity 101 during the season of Lent as we begin The Last Week: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus’ Final Days in Jerusalem on Sunday, March 5, from 7 - 8:30 pm.

“Top Jesus scholars Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossan join together to reveal a radical and little-known Jesus. Using the gospel of Mark as their guide, Borg and Crossan present a day-by-day account of Jesus’s final week of life. [This is]… a more dangerous Jesus than the one enshrined in the church’s traditional teachings, [one who sacrifices] his life to protest power without justice and to condemn the rich who lack concern for the poor.”(From Amazon.)

This class uses large and small group discussions, written response, videos, facilitator presentation, and personal history and insight to explore what it means to be an “emergence” or ”emerging paradigm” Christian. We meet on Sunday evenings during the same time as Crossroads to make it convenient for parents, but all are welcome.

Try us out on any Sunday. We are currently reflecting on The Heart of Christianity by Marcus Borg.

Recipe and photo courtesy of budgetbytes.com

CHILI ROASTED SWEET POTATOESPREP TIME: 10 mins COOK TIME: 45 mins TOTAL TIME: 55 mins

Total Cost: $2.64Cost Per Serving: $0.66Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS2 lbs. sweet potatoes $2.081 Tbsp chili powder* $0.302 Tbsp olive oil $0.24¼ tsp salt (or to taste) $0.02

INSTRUCTIONSPreheat the oven to 400ºF. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then cut them into ½ inch cubes. Place the cubed sweet potatoes into a large bowl and drizzle with the olive oil, chili powder, and salt. Toss the potatoes until evenly coated in oil and spices.

Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes out over the prepared baking sheet so they are in a single layer. Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, stirring once half way through. After 45 minutes, the sweet potatoes should be soft and slightly browned on the edges. Total cooking time will ultimately depend on the size of your cubes.

Heart to Heart Recipe

ʻAlive InsideʼFeatured Film Friday, February 10Wicker Room, South Campus6 pm gathering and pizza ($5 suggested donation)6:30 pm film begins The film we have chosen for the month of February is Alive Inside.

It is a social worker’s inspirational cinematic exploration of music’s capacity to reawaken souls and uncover the deepest part of humanity by having individuals listen to the music of their youth. A physician in the film says there is no drug that can accomplish what he has done with music.

It is a life-changing film everyone should see. It is the most awarded documentary of 2014. Please RSVP by Thursday, February 9 to Jennie Nickel at (614) 529-9930 or [email protected]

PARISH REGISTER

We share the joys and sorrows of our church family in our prayers.

As of January 17, 2017

BAPTISMS

1/15/17Graham Edward Stair Son of Anne & Jim Stair

1/15/17Avery Collins Waddell Daughter of Jennifer Waddell & Matthew Waddell

DEATHS

12/21/16Milton “Dick” Wetherbee Husband of Patty Wetherbee 12/19/16 Theodore Willis Stepfather of Jim (Patti) Allen 12/20/16William “Bill” Reasinger Father of Larry (Missy) Reasinger Grandfather of Wesley Reasinger

12/29/16Brian Casey Son-in-law of Mary Ann Mulroy

12/29/16Megan Casey Granddaughter of Mary Ann Mulroy

1/1/17 Ella May Belt Mother of Jane Belt

1/7/17Susan Furry Sister of Nan (Mike) Weir 1/11/17Don Cherry Husband of Jackie Cherry

1/14/17Rev. Howard Hershberger Father of Jane (Brad) Briggs

Please send notifications of weddings, births, hospitalizations or deaths to [email protected] or (614) 488-0681 ext. 228.

Our Pastoral Care staff is available if you desire a visit or call during an illness, hospitalization or time of need.


n By Kristy Glaser Lindsey Chamberlain first learned of First Community Church from her friend, Susan Rogers, and has decided to join because if feels like a good spiritual fit for her. Lindsey is the Assistant Director of the Honors Program at OSU. She and her husband live in Upper Arlington and are the parents of two girls, Maddie and Lucy. Gussie Dye-Elder is a devoted volunteer at Kobacker House in her retirement after being employed at Riverside Hospital for 21 years. Gussie likes the comfortable atmosphere at FCC and appreciates the great music and wonderful messages she hears on Sunday mornings. She’s interested in giving her time to The Tri-Village Trading Post and the Service Board and would like to join a Women’s Guild. Gussie has many friends in the congregation and is happy to be joining them in membership. David Goldsberry grew up in Upper Arlington attending Catholic schools. Now retired and living in Hilliard, he spends his time caring for his 84-year-young mother, Maria Schumaker. David appreciates the inclusive messages he hears on Sunday mornings when he attends worship at the North Campus. He’d like to get involved with the older adult programming as senior care is his passion. He welcomes the opportunity to give of his time and talent to this ministry. Amanda Graber is a veterinarian at VCA Westerville East. She and her husband live in Bexley and are parents to two young girls, Adela and Nora. Amanda was raised Catholic and hasn’t been a part of a

church for a long time. After a lengthy search, she’s happy to find an inclusive community in which her children can receive spiritual education and guidance. Amanda is a Sunday School volunteer at the South Campus and would like to become a part of the Early Childhood Council. Anthony Howard was watching television on a Sunday morning 15 years ago when he happened upon the First Edition television program, prompting him to attend services at South Campus. He has attended many churches over the years and has decided the inclusive and accepting theology of First Community Church makes it the best place for him. He and his son, Jack (8), like to attend at North Campus. Anthony works as an Economic Developer for the State of Ohio. Seulki Ku, originally from Korea, now resides in Columbus, Ohio as she completes her graduate studies at OSU. Seulki likes FCC’s theology and appreciates its acceptance of all backgrounds. Seulki is consumed with her studies as she plans to graduate this spring or summer, but sets aside time on Sunday mornings to attend worship at North Campus. Her husband, also a graduate student, currently lives in Beijing, China enrolled in a visiting scholar program. Arnon Reichers first learned of FCC when she attended a Shalem Society program hosted by the church a few years ago and has decided to become a member because of the modern, accepting theology. She attends worship at South Campus and has already become involved

in the life of the church. Arnon enjoys participating in Tuesdays at Ten, Warm Welcome, Knitting for Refugees and the Spiritual Searcher program. She has also started participating in Contemplative Way Group 1. Arnon is a retired OSU professor and lives in Worthington with her husband. Brooke Ruma grew up attending Sunday School at First Community Church in Marble Cliff and now enjoys worship at North Campus with her husband Charles and their children, Turner (13), and Evie (8). Brooke is happy to be making her membership official after being an active participant in the life of the church for many years. Charles Ruma is joining the church with his wife, Brooke, and their two children. He and Brooke have a rich history at First Community Church as they both grew up involved in the children’s and youth programs and later got married at the South Campus. Charles is a builder for Virginia Homes. Val Seeley was introduced to First Community Church by her friend Susan Forbes and was immediately inspired by the sermons, the music and the kindness of everyone she encountered. Now retired, Val once owned her own floral and art studio. She hopes to apply some of her retail knowledge to volunteer opportunities at the church including the Tri-Village Trading Post and the Mission Garage Sale. Singing, playing the guitar, gardening and spending time with her grandchildren are among her favorite pastimes.

A webcast with Cynthia Bourgeault

Introducing Centering Prayer

Volunteering at Deep Griha

Much Matters

Welcome New Members

Lindsey Chamberlain Gussie Dye-Elder David Goldsberry Amanda Graber Anthony Howard

Seulki Ku Arnon Reichers Brooke Ruma Charles Ruma Val Seeley

Sunday, February 5, 3 - 5 pmNorth Campus, Room 130

Episcopal priest and spiritual teacher Cynthia Bourgeault brings together prayer traditions from Christianity both East and West to explain the purpose and value of the contemplative practice of “Centering Prayer” in this replay of a January webcast from Richard Rohr’s “Center for Action and Contemplation.”

Her talk, introduced by Richard Rohr, is based on Rev. Bourgeault’s new book, The Heart of Centering Prayer: Nondual Christianity in Theory and Practice. Our Thursday noon Contemplative Way Group begins using this book for its sacred reading time beginning Thursday, February 9 as a follow-up to Dr. Bourgeault’s lecture and discussion. Our past Spiritual Searcher, James Finley, gives a response to the teaching in this webcast as well.

Cynthia Bourgeault, PhD, is an Episcopal priest, teacher, and retreat leader. She is a faculty

member of Richard Rohr’s “The Living School” and the author of several books, including The Holy Trinity and the Law of Three and The Wisdom Jesus.

This Quest event is a program of The Burkhart Center (formerly The Center for Spiritual Search). Registration online at FCchurch.com/2017/01/webcast or at the door. A free-will offering will be taken either online or at the door to support The Burkhart Center.

n By Linda Larrimer

Recently retired librarian Joy Converse won’t be spending her days in leisure activities. Instead, she is off to Pune, India to share her expertise with the mission, Deep Griha Society. Joy’s knowledge of children’s literature and her musical talents are two abilities she will use in her volunteer work at the City of Knowledge, Deep Griha’s rural, English-medium school.

Joy will assist in the school library and work with the teachers regarding children’s literature. With 10 years of piano lessons and gifted with a lovely voice, she also plans to teach music. During most of her time at Deep Griha, she will be staying at the City of Child where she will be helping the boys with homework and offering them opportunities to practice their English.

In 1975, Dr. Neela Onawale and Rev. Baskar Onawale founded a clinic providing medical services to the needy in Pune’s slums. Since that date, the clinic has enlarged its scope with daycare facilities, schools, women’s empowerment and residential assistance for orphans and children in need.

Facilities of Deep Griha now extend beyond the slums of Pune to small towns in the countryside.

Deep Griha’s City of Child in the village Kasurdi is a residential project providing a safe home for orphans and children of single parents who are unable to provide support for their children. Children are assured of three meals a day, attendance at a local school, school supplies, homework help and medical care. First Community Church has financially supported the work of Deep Griha Society since shortly after its inception over 40 years ago. For the past 3 years, FCC has hosted Bollywood & Barbecue, a dinner to raise funds for Deep Griha, particularly for Child Sponsorships. This year’s event, renamed Deep Griha BBQ, will be held on Sunday, March 12 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm at North Campus.

While it has been redesigned, it will still feature the delicious food of City Barbeque as well as some tantalizing vegetarian dishes. As a Mission Council member and an active church volunteer, Joy joins others in the congregation who have gone to Pune to help with the many outreach services of Deep Griha Society.

Thursday, February 166 pm - 7:30 pmWicker Room, South Campus A group for reading and discussion, facilitated by Shah Hasan. This class will be a small group of people who meet monthly on a Thursday evening at 6 pm to discuss

books about thoughtful matters related to our social, civic and spiritual life. This group is for people who also like to read non-fiction, and who like to share in conversation with others about their reading. We will meet to organize the group and discuss the

introduction and first five chapters of our first book White Trash: the 400-Year Untold History of Class in America by Nancy Isenberg. To RSVP, please visit FCchurch.com/2017/01/much-matters. Contact Shah Hasan at [email protected]


Heroes of Our Own Stories

Women’s Guild ElderWisdom“...When you’re with someone who is dying, you may need to celebrate the past, live the present, and mourn the future all at the same time.”

—Will Schwalbe, The End of Your Life Book Club

In our next ElderWisdom gathering, we will share thoughts and read excerpts from this New York Times best-selling book.

It is the inspiring true story of a son and his mother who has been diagnosed with cancer. Their spontaneously formed, two-person book club gives them an ideal opportunity for deep togetherness at a critical

time. It is a celebration of life and the value of books.

ElderWisdom is a discussion group that meets to explore books and topics that focus on the aspects of aging. All ages are welcome.

This gathering will be Thursday, February 23 at 1 pm in the Older Adult meeting space on the second floor of the South Campus.

Contact Lorelei Lanier Lotozo at (614) 209-7125 or Missy Obergefell, Director of Older Adult Ministry, at (614) 486-0681 with questions or to add your name to our email list.

Rev. Christopher RinkerClergy Associate

“What’s your story?”

So the question often goes. It’s not surprising, really. Throughout history, people have been telling stories. It’s how we relate to life on a most basic level. It’s how we make sense of all the seemingly random things that

happen to us. It’s how we interpret the majority of human history.

Now, in any story there are protagonists and antagonists – good guys and bad guys, if you will. These characters are needed to create the story because if everyone just got along and everything was fine and dandy, there wouldn’t be much of a plot. For some reason, we need characters that we can root for and oftentimes these characters are pitted against other characters.

Thus, we constantly find ourselves hoping that the “good guys” will beat the “bad guys” and the story will have a happy ending.

We create stories fairly easily out of major historical conflicts. WWII is a classic example – clearly there are good guys and bad guys there, right? Or how about the European discovery and exploration of America? Is that not a story of adventure and ingenuity, of protagonist explorers who conquered new lands and brought glory to their home countries?

Of course, there are two sides to every story. But that is because in real life there are no protagonists or antagonists. There are just people, all with the capacity for committing great good or great evil. And usually what happens is that when people later tell the story, they will tend to cast themselves as the protagonists in it.

The heroes, as it were.

This is true of groups, but it is also true of individuals. Take a moment to think about it. In the story of your life, do you consider yourself to be the hero or the villain? Are you not rooting for you? Is it not often you who is in the right and others who are in the wrong?

Sure, we are human and we make mistakes. We can recognize those. But generally, I think, we all believe that we are on the right side of history. We are part of the “good guys.”

The trouble is everybody believes that. And often that “good guy” mentality extends further to say, “and you are one of the ‘bad guys.’” Of course, it’s all a matter of perspective. Someone out there considers you a villain, and they a hero, when you may think it’s the other way around. Having grown up listening to stories all our lives, it’s hard not to separate the world into good vs. evil.

But when everyone is right and everyone else is wrong; when we are good and they are evil; when we become the heroes of our own stories, then we have missed something very important about the Kin-dom of God. Namely, that there exist no heroes or villains in the Kin-dom – only people. Flawed people, to be sure, but people nonetheless.

And everyone is offered a place at the table.

n By Jill Eliot Love does not attach conditions...Genuine love is always a free gift.

—Barbara Upham The 38th edition of the “We Love You” luncheon for the First Community Church staff is a gift from the Women’s Guild. The festivities begin February 7 at noon. The day will be filled with good food, hearts and love for our staff. The Spring Event The eagerly-awaited Spring Event is coming on April 1 from 11:30 am - 3 pm. The theme is “Come Fly With Us.” Even though Frank Sinatra, who made the song popular, won’t be with us, the Singing Buckeyes will entertain us with Buckeye songs and other popular music. Our sparkling afternoon will be held at The Boat House. Menu will be featured in the March edition of firstnews.

Baking LadiesThe Women’s Guild has been asked to help with Mission Council’s Hunger Hoedown by providing finger desserts for the event. Suggested foods are cookies, brownies, lemon bars and cinnamon sticks. The event is Friday, February 3 from 6 - 8:30 pm, Grace

Hall, North Campus. Square and Round Dancing will be featured and will add to the frivolity of the evening. Guild Group “L”The ladies of Group “L” are sharing with our readers about how a small group has great comradery. They started in 2013 with seven members and, though they lost four members, the three who stuck with the group have found friendship beyond mere numbers. Notes from Laura Elliott state, “When we aren’t volunteering at the Tri-Village Trading Post, the Gigantic Garage Sale, Monday Night Meals or the Share and Learn Garden, we just take it easy and have a social time together. We dine at great restaurants, share our favorite potluck dishes, indulge in game night, share insight on a trending topic or plan future endeavors.” Group G reports that Bean Soup Sales are concluding for this year, but will be back the fall and winter of 2017. What does God expect? Well, not much really: Love God. Love your neighbor. Care for the least of these. When you do, you may even see God.

— Dr. Glen Miles

CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

WEEKLY ADULT LEARNING GROUPS Classes are free and open to the public. For information on books, registration or financial aid, contact Natalia at [email protected] or (614) 488-0681 ext. 105.

For more details, visit FCchurch.com/the-Burkhart-Center

MORNING SEMINAR

Sundays, 9:30 – 10:45 amWicker Room, South CampusIn February, we will focus on a video series on Judaism. This is a great opportunity to gain a better understanding of the tradition from which Christianity eventually sprang, as well as the chance to gain insight into some of the issues for the Jewish tradition in the 21st century. The video lecturer is Professor Isaiah Gafni of Hebrew University in Jerusalem. No advance preparation is necessary, please just come and enjoy the discussions.

TUESDAY AT TEN

Tuesdays, 10 – 11:30 amWicker Room, South CampusTuesdays at Ten will examine some of the underlying cultural and psychological impulses underlying religious experience. We will be using a video series on Roots of Religion that looks at the anthropological basis for the earliest elements of religious experience and the big questions common to humans throughout the world. Beginning with the Neanderthals and continuing to cave paintings and shamanism, we’ll see what our earliest ancestors were worrying about and compare their solutions to ours. No reading required.

MEN’S STUDY GROUP

Wednesdays, 7 – 8 amWicker Room, South CampusThe group is reading and discussing Christianity After Religion by Diana Butler Bass. Contact Price Finley at (614) 361-6567 or [email protected], or Craig Sturtz at (614) 481-9060 or [email protected]

MORNING FELLOWSHIP

Wednesdays, 7 – 8 amBrownlee Hall, South CampusPresentations and discussion of leading-edge topics. Ends promptly at 8 am.

Church Bookstore Needs VolunteersBookstore assistance is needed on Sundays before and after worship services at both North and South Campus. Volunteers will receive a 20-minute training.

Contact Natalia Jones at [email protected] or (614) 488-0681 ext. 105


Saturday, February 2510-11:30 amRoom 111, North Campus Making lasting changes in our behavior is difficult. Habits are notoriously hard to make and hard to break. In this workshop, How to Build a Good Habit (even if you’ve tried before and failed), with Eric Zimmer you will learn and practice skills that support lasting behavior change. “Too many people think you either have discipline to change, or you don’t,” says Eric. “I’m convinced that it is not an innate, birthright type personality trait; rather, it can be taught and learned.” This workshop is for those of you who are feeling stuck in your life; Those of you who know the types of behavior changes that you want to make

but are having trouble actually making these changes in any kind of lasting way.

If you really want to start a workout routine, for example, but find yourself hitting the snooze button rather than heading out the door in the morning, then this workshop is for you. Perhaps you’ve heard of the benefits surrounding mediation and really want to start your own practice but just never can really find the time to do so for more than a day or two in a row.

This workshop will help you turn your bumpy track record into a lasting success story. Basically, if there’s a habit of any kind that you would like to make part of your daily or weekly routine then you’ll want to attend this 90 minute workshop. In it, you will learn simple strategies comprised of

a mixture of common sense, ancient wisdom and the latest scientific discoveries that, when implemented, ensure lasting behavior change. Your future self will thank you. Moment by moment we make choices that shape our lives. This program will help participants to be more intentional about those choices and to follow through on the commitments they make to themselves. Eric Zimmer is the host of The One You Feed podcast, oneyoufeed.net. On the show, Eric has interviewed nearly 200 experts across many fields of study about how to create a life worth living. The One You Feed was named a Best of 2014 Podcast by iTunes and one of the best health podcasts of all time by The Huffington Post. Eric has successfully coached hundreds of people

from around the world for over 20 years surrounding topics related to sustainable behavior change in their lives. Cost for this workshop sponsored by The Burkhart Center is $20 per person. Registration online at FCchurch.com/2017/01/workshop

Workshop Helps Make Lasting Change

Executing Justice for Widows, Orphans and Aliens

ERIC ZIMMER

That’s the primary function of the Messiah, the King of Israel, in the Bible: Insuring the care of the most dispossessed of all the peoples in the land (widows and orphans representing the most oppressed and legally defenseless peoples in ancient

Israel, and the aliens, representing the most exploited group in ancient times). This comes out of some of the commands in the Torah, the Book of Deuteronomy: For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome… who executes justice for the orphan and the widow and who loves the strangers, providing them with food and clothing. You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. The King in Israel was to fulfill the functions of the “Mighty God,” which is one of the titles conferred on kings, so in short, taking care of the most vulnerable in the nation, and those most likely to be abused and exploited, is the basic biblical principle for national and political leadership. In his little Advent meditation volume, Names for the Messiah, Walter Brueggemann takes those familiar titles for Jesus found in Handel’s Messiah, “Wonderful counselor,” “Mighty God,” “Everlasting Father,” and “Prince of Peace,” and parses their original meaning in regards to the King in Israel, their fulfillment, if any, in Jesus, and how the followers of Jesus and the church are supposed to continue this fulfillment. These titles come from Isaiah 9:2-7, which we hear every Advent (“For a child has been born, a son given us…”), but that

is really a coronation hymn listing the primary function of a Jewish King: The King will bring “endless peace,” upon a throne established “with justice and righteousness.” The practical, and primary, function of the biblical King is stated more clearly in another coronation anthem, Psalm 72:

May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice.May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the needy, and crush the oppressors [of those in need]

For he delivers the needy when they call, the poor and those who have no helper.He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy.From oppression and violence he redeems their life; and precious is their blood in his sight. In his study, Brueggemann describes the unique way that Jesus manifested the power of “Mighty God.” “Jesus,” he says, “exercises counter-power that refuses the coercive, exploitative power of Rome and instead enacts abundant power that makes life possible.” “All the various opponents of Jesus—including Rome—are agents of death, for the empire constitutes a system of death. Power ‘from elsewhere, ‘from God, is required to combat and overcome such violent forces.” But the questions that this contemporary prophet asks us to consider are more haunting—more daunting—because they point to the fact that Jesus has handed on this mission, and this divine power, to those who follow him. “Before he finishes, this wise transformative ‘king’ will summon his followers to continue his way of subversive astonishment and transformation in the world. He anticipates that his followers, the one who sign on

for his alternative regime, will be seen as troublemakers who will seek alternatives to conventional power arrangements.” And so our study leader asks difficult questions for us to consider:

● How did Jesus threaten the established order?

● How should the church threaten the established order?

● As a disciple of Christ, how do you care on this task?

● How do you see the church displaying the power of God today?

“It turns out,” Brueggemann concludes, “that recognition of this new king is not just a Christmas Eve lark. It constitutes a new vocation. It is not only an acknowledgement of his new rule in the world but a recruitment for action congruent with the new regime. The ‘increase of his government’ will not be by supernatural imposition or by royal fiat. Instead, it will come about through the daily intentional engagement of his subjects, who are so astonished by his wonder that they no longer subscribe to the old order of power and truth that turns out to be, in the long run, only debilitating fraudulence.” Oh, and what about when leaders did just the opposite of these primary functions? Isaiah also had a prophetic witness regarding that situation (10:1-3):

Doom to you who legislate evil, who make laws that make victims—laws that make misery for the poor, that rob my destitute people of dignity, exploiting defenseless widows, taking advantage of homeless children. What will you have to say on Judgment Day, when Doomsday arrives out of the blue? No wonder Jesus advised those who would follow him to “count the cost!” Shalom.

Rev. David HettMinister of Religious Life and Learning

WOMEN LIVING THE QUESTIONS

Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 amWicker Room, South CampusAn ongoing group to examine personal, social and spiritual issues in our world today in light of contemporary and traditional teachings. Resources have included works of Cynthia Bourgeault, Eckhart Tolle, James Finley, Pema Chodron, Michael Singer, Joan Chittister and Richard Rohr, as well as guest speakers. Contact Linda Baldeck at [email protected]

BIBLE STUDY

Wednesdays, 7 – 8:15 pmConference Rm, North CampusLed by the Reverend Jim Long. The group will study the Gospel of Mark.

CONTEMPLATIVE WAY

Thursdays, 11:45 am - 1 pmWicker Room, South CampusBeginning Thursday, February 9, the group will begin Cynthia Bourgeault’s new book, The Heart of Centering Prayer: Nondual Christianity’ in Theory and Practice. If you’ve considered this time of sacred reading and 30-minute silent meditation to add to your practice, this would be a good time to join. Facilitated by Rev. David Hett and other spiritual directors. Recommended this month: Attending the Sunday, February 5, 3 pm webcast at north campus where Rev. Bourgeault discusses her work.

CHRISTIANITY 101

Sundays, 7 - 8:30 pmRoom 215, North CampusDo you wish you could remember what you learned in Sunday school or in preparation for confirmation? Or maybe you never went to church much as a child. Do you sometimes wish you could volunteer in Sunday school or Crossroads, but you’re afraid the kids will know more than you do? The class is for adults who want to discover what Christianity means at First Community Church. Explore together with others who are wondering and discovering. Contact Kirsten if you want to know what chapters for a given week.

WEEKLY ADULT LEARNING GROUPSCONTINUED FROM PAGE 14


Always There

Rev. James LongMinister of Pastoral Care

FEBRUARYREADINGSThese Bible readings are from the Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings. In general, readings on Thursday, Friday and Saturday are selected to prepare for the Sunday reading; readings on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are selected to reflect the Sunday lectionary.

1 Psalm 37:1-17 Luke 6:17-26

2 Luke 6:17-26

3 Psalm 112:1-9 James 3:13-18

4 Psalm 112:1-9 Mark 7:1-8

5 Isaiah 29:13-16

6 Psalm 119:105-112 Romans 11:2-10

7 Psalm 119:105-112 2 Corinthians 4:1-12

8 Psalm 119:105-112 John 8:12-30

9 Psalm 119:1-8 James 1:12-16

10 Psalm 119:1-8 1 John 2:7-17

11 Psalm 119:1-8 Matthew 15:1-9

12 Leviticus 26:34-46 13 Psalm 119:9-16 James 1:2-8

14 Psalm 119:9-16 James 2:1-13

15 Psalm 119:9-16 Matthew 19:1-12

16 Psalm 119:33-40 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1

17 Psalm 119:33-40 Galatians 5:2-6

18 Psalm 119:33-40 Matthew 7:1-12

19 Exodus 20:1-21 20 Psalm 119:57-64 Romans 12:9-21

21 Psalm 119:57-64 Hebrews 12:14-16

22 Psalm 119:57-64 Luke 18:18-30

23 Psalm 2 Hebrews 8:1-7

24 Psalm 2 Hebrews 11:23-28

25 Psalm 2 Mark 9:9-13

26 Genesis 31:1-3, 17-50

27 Psalm 78:17-20 Acts 7:30-34

28 1 Kings 19:9-18 Romans 11:1-6

I recently was in Rio de Janeiro on a family vacation. During our tour of the city, we visited the statue of Christ the Redeemer, which is on a high hill overlooking this beautiful city. It was erected for the centenary of Brazil’s independence and is analogous to

our Statue of Liberty. We took a train up the hill with many others to stand at the foot of this statue of Christ with his arms outstretched. It was a day with thick fog, which occasionally would clear to some degree. We remained for a while in hopes of seeing the whole statue, but it never

quite cleared to see it all. Later, we went to another hill in another part of the city. When we looked back to where we had been, we could see the entire statue clearly above the city.

In his book, The Elusive Presence: The Heart of Biblical Theology, Samuel Terrien describes the elusive nature of God’s presence in the biblical texts. There are theophanies, such as the burning bush appearing to Moses, when God’s presence is made known, but these appearances are few and unpredictable. And yet, there is faith in scripture that God is present in all things, all times, and all places.

There are many times in our personal lives and in the wider world when we do not see

or experience God’s presence. There are times when we ask: “Where is God in all this?” We face circumstances, issues, and situations which are not what we would have them be. We wonder how long we will wait for some consolation or hope. And yet, we claim God’s presence in the very midst of these times of challenge and anguish.

I thought of this when I was looking at that statue shrouded in fog. I saw enough to know it was there. Later I was able to see it fully above the city. It reminded that God is always there, even we do not experience that presence. God came to us in Christ to assure us that God is always with us.

show that differences could be submerged in the interest of a greater cause. Thus, members of Grandview Heights Congregational Church came to the conclusion that one large church could accomplish more than several smaller ones. Following a congregational vote, the trustees approached the Methodists to see if they were interested in a merger. When it was announced that they had declined, our congregation voted unanimously to sever ties with the Congregational Church and to reorganize and establish a community church, non denominational in its relation. Thus, on February 12,1919, First Community Church came into being with a membership of 350. As the church continued to expand and serve, a new large church was built on Cambridge Boulevard and dedicated in January 1926. The Community Church Movement became highly popular as well and Rev. Weist left to become its national secretary in 1931. From 1931 till 1935 it was the steady hand of Rev. Rufus Wicker that guided the church through the dark days of the Depression as the congregation shouldered its enormous debt and faced the possibility of losing our new building. He was described as an excellent preacher, but it was his business savvy that saved the day.

Rev. Rufus Wicker, Senior minister from 1931 to 1935, was succeeded by Dr. Roy Burkhart in January 1935 who left a legacy during his 23 year ministry that still permeates the church. With a background in education and psychology, his innovative ministries brought new vigor and insights. Under his leadership the youth program claimed 96% of the high school students living in the Tri-Villages.

He either organized or inspired the first singles group in the country, Village Little Theater,

Men’s Breakfast, Sweetheart Luncheon, Trading Post, Camp Akita, Couples Circles, prayer research groups, radio broadcasting, minister’s seminars and a counseling ministry.

He had the insight and skills to call out the best in everyone he met and encouraged members of his congregation to aspire to dreams they never knew were possible. Under his leadership First Community was named as one of the twelve great churches in America in a poll of 100,000 clergymen in 1951.

He became a distinguished clergyman of national repute helping to found the National Council of Community Churches and World Neighbors.

From 1958 to 1966 Burkhart’s successor, Dr. Otis Maxfield, continued the emphasis on a counseling ministry with a wide range of radio and television broadcasts and the opening of the Pastoral Counseling Center in 1964. He also was instrumental in building First Community Village as a retirement center and in founding Project Amigos as a mission project in Latin America that engaged large numbers of our congregation.

During the ministries of Dr. Arthur Teikmanis (1967-70) and Rev. Robert Raines (1970-74) the church became much more involved in social issues of the day such as cross-cultural camping sessions, Project Equality, environmental task force, and the prison concern ministry. It was also during the Raines era that the Ministry to Older Persons was begun and our relationship with Dr. Neela and Rev. Bhaskar Onawale was established.

Dr. Harold Englund (1975-81) encouraged a high degree of engagement and interaction between First Community and other local churches. We strengthened ecumenical ties and renewed involvement in the area church board, feeding the homeless, and Dr. Englund was widely lauded for the role he played in helping to peacefully integrate Columbus city schools. Our young people twice traveled to neighboring states to help

clean up flood damage.

When Rev. Barry Johnson (1983-92) arrived on the scene, it soon became obvious that one of his major legacies would be a television ministry. In 1957 First Community was the only church in Ohio with closed circuit TV, but this was a new day and we would do major remodeling to accommodate recording equipment and our own television studio.

First Edition, a weekly telecast of the sermon and choir anthem made its debut in April 1985. The other major change during the Johnson era was building the Center for Extended Ministry, now known as North Campus.

Our current Senior Minister, Dr. Richard Wing, arrived in 1994 and has led our congregation through the rebuilding and 50th anniversary of Camp Akita, expansion of facilities at North Campus, numerous fundraising campaigns, our Centennial Celebration in 1909, and walked the church through the process that led to approval of same gender covenant ceremonies.

We have renewed affiliation with Disciples of Christ and strengthened ties to the United Church of Christ, added mission projects such as Rafiki Orphanage in Africa, and AMOR ministry to build houses in Mexico, and encouraged development of Faith and American Politics and

reinitiated a prison ministry.

Our Heart to Heart Ministry is one of the area’s leading food pantries. He has helped to guide our staff and congregation alike through a study of our current facilities and a vision for the future.

Throughout our long history, First Community Church has become known not only for its service to the greater community, but also for the excellence of its music. In the early years Oliver Weist insisted on a good organ and organized a choir to add beauty and formality to his vesper services.

Then Evelyn Silbernagle expected her disciplined singers to do justice to the splendid Christmas pageants that she directed. For more than forty years Lowell Riley led choirs of singers and bell ringers of all ages, wrote anthems and arrangements, created Vaud-Villities, brought Amahl and the Night Visitors into our sanctuary, and played the organ for thousands of worship services, funerals and weddings.

For another forty plus years Ron Jenkins’ musicians have produced beautiful and inspiring music in our church, our city, our nation’s capital and throughout Europe on three overseas tours. We are all blessed by the gifts of music and liturgy to enhance our worship experience that he has created.

HISTORYFROM PAGE 8

Dr. Otis Maxfield, left, succeeds Dr. Roy Burkhart in 1958.


It is with gratitude that First Community Church accepts the following gifts.

FOUNDATION GIFTS

In Memory of: Skip Brehmer Anonymous Ralph Cadwaldra Rev. Susan Day Miriam Clark Susan Brooks William Morris Haden DeRoberts James & Jane Ledman Chet & Lorena Hawley C. Bernard Brush Lorena Hawley William & Linda Miely Marjorie Pifer Marjorie Pifer Gift Annuity Anne Sheline Annita Meyer & Larry Woods Bette Solis Bette R. Solis Irrevocable Trust Dick Wetherbee Bill Judy & Sue Wilson

In Honor of: Amy, Jay, Rachael, Everett & Marshall Hutchins Jim Hutchins Dominica School & Orphanage Abdurahman Ahmed & Senae Negash Patricia Dempsey Thomas & Mary Fontana Phil Hawley Kathy & Ron Hossler Robert & Paula Karl Joanne Trees Cheryl & John Zeiger Jeff & Elizabeth Zeiger Rev. James Long Sandy & Paul Anderson William Seibert Lauren Norelli Sarah Ervin Arron Melvin Scott Walker Dave & Loretta Heigle MARGARET M. PASSON MUSIC FUND Christian & Donnalynn Laver Frederick & Carol Hofer

CHURCH GIFTS

In Memory of: Hayden DeRoberts Dawn Costin & Jon Costin Dick Wetherbee Lynn Gutches Snowden Gene Ricker Gloria Ricker

In Honor of: John & Cathy Klamar Anonymous Everett Joseph Bird Pamela & William Bird, Jr. FRIENDS OF MEDIAIn Memory of: Deborah Lee Day Rev. Susan Day

FRIENDS OF AKITAIn Memory of: Connie Clark Dick & Kitty Rohrer Miriam Clark Jennie Kohr Nestor Haden DeRoberts Greg & Betsy McCollum C. Michael Downey, MD Suzanne Lucas Don Gepfert Bill Judy & Sue Wilson Dick Wetherbee Pamela Cowles

In Celebration of: Stephen A Collins Anonymous Camp Akita Glen Graham Julie & Tony Keefer Dick & Kitty Rohrer Beth & Scott RyanTHE BURKHART CENTER Anne Cooper Rev. Susan Day Price Finley Cynthia Kuhn

FRIENDS OF MUSICIn Honor of: Wayne & Cheri Rickert Anonymous Muriel K. Tice Martha & Don Glendenin Kathy, Lane & Joel Goodrich Tesh & Greg Glenden

YOUTH CHOIRSIn Honor of: Sally Beske Andrew & Carrie Narcelles

CHRISTMAS MEMORIALS Wilbur & Emma Barnhart Bob & Louise Heywood Warren & Gladys Williams GENERAL MISSIONS Brian & Sally Kriska Susan Parker

CHRISTMAS EVE SPECIAL OFFERING - DEEP GRIHA & FRIENDS OF THE HOMELESS Nancy & Susan Amberg Craig Andrew Phil Armbruster Jere & Patti Austin Damon & Ann Baker

Dave & Mona BarberJane Barry BJ & Amy BecherJohn & Marianne BedellCarol BergMatt & Jennifer BergJoe & MaryEllen BergerJeanne BlairCharles & Ruth BoltwoodEdward BraytenbahJerry & Harriet BrownDavid & Elaine BuckJoe & Kathy BullDave & Jeanne BuschPeg Carmany Jamie CerrienneSharon ChidesterDustin ChuraEric & Carrie CliffelSue CoadyThomas & Teresa DenuneKeith & Anne DeVoePete & Pidge DiehlGreg DillonJason & Elizabeth DowneyKeith DufraneSue & Thomas Dunlap PottsLindsey DunleavyLarry & Gayle DunnMarcia EarlyJeff EisenmanSteve & Nancy FalkChristina GardinerRod & Lisa GeitgeyLisa GilbertWillman GoldenElizabeth & Reginald HainesPatti HambleyBrian HarrisTim & Kris HawkMary HeftPatti Heintzelman

Bill & Laura HellandBob & Vanda HendersonBill & Hilda HensleyRichard & Faye HerriottJeffrey HiltbrandBill & Becky HingaKay HirschJohn & Judy HobergDavid & Brian HogrefeRick & Jo HollanderMark & Mary HollingerMarilyn HoodBev HousemanGavin & April HoweJim HoweChris & Susan JagersPeggy JohnsonBrian & Connie JohnstonTom & Geri KaparosMark & Rachel KaschnerJerry & Merci KatzMike & Jayne KaylorTony & Julie KeeferRollie & Anne KingRon & Betty KozlowskiGerald & Kimberly LaneJim & Jane LedmanKathleen LennonPatti & Jeff LinkJim & Clare LongBob & Laura LongJoe MartinJudy MartinWendy MassarelliTony & Angie MatessaErnie & Laura Mazzaferri JrStephanie & Julia McCormickSharon & William McGrawRyan & Emily MeadowsJanice MeyerJay & Sharon MichaelMelanie MorrisonNancy MorrisonAnnabelle MuglerBryon & Susan MurraySteve & Rachel MushrushCharlie NicholsLisa & Jeff NorrisBranson & Marisa NyeBetty O’NeillErnesto & Sommer Ortiz-CruzadoJames PeppeRichard & Cindy PeytonTerry & Cydney PhilbinDeb & Leslie PhillipsBill & Pat PorterfieldMarti & Steve PostAmy & Michael RabadamElaine RaganDan & Evelyn ReeveDave & Anita RichardsonLinda RitterDick & Kitty RohrerDiane RollerGreg & Tifanie RoseKevin & Barb SatterfieldMarjorie SayersJohn & Deborah SchenerleinKeith & Mary SchneiderRalph & Jane Setterlin JrSteve & Kate ShanerKen & Bridget ShoemakerJack & Patricia ShuterGregory SmithBob & Laura StillmanCharles & Rachel StuartRalph & Nancy TiceCathy TillingDoug & Darian TorranceMaggie TresslerTom UngerCharlie & Judy VachrisJoe & Sharon VescoOwen & Reassa WagnerBob & Sally WandelMichael & Nan Weir

Lynn WellsBob & Sherri WhetzelJerry & Roberta WilliamsKatie & Jim WirthHolly WitzelDonice Wooster & Burdette GreenJohn YessoMichael & Diane Zmuda

In Memory of: Fred, Elaine & Dorothy Ruth & John Breplon Anonymous Haden DeRoberts Sonya Albery Ralph & Joan Talmage Sherry Barger Jack Barger Marshall Barney Brad & Shirley Barney Ginny Barney Tommie Lanaman Elbert George Bellows Peggy Bellows Howard & Dottie Bartlett Bob & Karen Claussen JoAnn Boswell Bob & Karen Claussen Ella Kathleen & Leslie Dimes Robert Dimes Gale R. King III Cynthia King MSG Andy Fernandez Joe & Betty Knoch Al Kraatz Jr. Karen Kraatz Mac McCoy Sue McCoy Mary Jane Howell Michelle Mundy William Reasinger Jeff Reasinger Julie Anne Schoedinger Dave & Jeanne Schoedinger Helen & Borden Hively Kit & Christoph Schmauch Roseanne Schlatter Rick & Tamara Willimott Roger Sickles Jean Sickles Jerry & Jinny Sutermaster Jean Sickles Wyn Shimer Sandie & Todd Southern H Myron Shimer Sandie & Todd Southern James M Shimer Sandie & Todd Southern Miriam Hart Pamela Stearns John Glenn Angela Van Fossen Warren & Gladys Williams Mike & Shirley Weasel Edd Katherine WhiteIn Celebration of: A new full time job with Ohio BMV Paul D Saltz & Aaron AckermanIn Honor of: Mary Evans Jim Evans Karen Lee Marlene Murphy Linda Ritter Bill & Susan Napier Carol Baker Bill & Susan Napier Chris Rinker Cameron, Shelly & Jessica Rinker Donald & Barbara Nelson Michelle Rogers Patty Vesper Dick & Patty Vesper

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

QUEST SINGLES

We singles enjoy meeting new people, so join us for one of the dinners and/or the book discussion below.

Most of us are in our fifties, sixties and up, but we are an equal opportunity group and welcome all ages.

We communicate primarily via email. If you are not on our list, contact Nancy Dunn at [email protected] or call (614) 771-4869 to verify the current plans.

If you have an idea for a fun activity, let Nancy know.

DINNER AT CUCO'S TAQUERIA

Thursday, February 26:30 pm2162 Henderson Rd

DINNER AT MONTGOMERY INN

Thursday, February 166:30 pm4565 West Dublin-Granville Rd

BOOK DISCUSSION

Sunday, February 195:30 pmMCL CafeteriaNews of the WorldBy Paulette Jiles

DINNER AT BEER BARREL PIZZA

Thursday, March 26:30 pm2500 Roberts Rd, Hilliard

DINNER AT WHITNEY HOUSE RESTAURANT

Thursday, March 166:30 pm666 High Street

BOOK DISCUSSION

Sunday, March 195:30 pmMCL CafeteriaThe title has not been decided.

Pledge 2017The Stewardship Committee of First Community Church encourages everyone to participate in the 2017 pledge campaign.

To date, the total amount of pledges is $1,640,020. The total needed to operate in 2017 is $2,220,000.

Please make your pledge today! Visit FCchurch.com/giving or use the pledge card sent to you by U.S. Mail. Pledge cards are also available at the Welcome Centers at both North and South Campuses.


to ourDISTRIBUTION PARTNERS

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COLUMBUS STATE DISCOVERY EXCHANGE BOOKSTORE283 Cleveland Ave.Columbus, OH 43215(614) 287-2427cscc.edu/services/bookstore/

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FIRST COMMUNITY VILLAGE1800 Riverside Dr.Columbus, OH 43212(614) 324-4455nationalchurchresidences.org

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FRESH KITCHEN3680 Fishinger Blvd.Hilliard, OH 43026(614) 400-5814freshkitchenohio.com

GRANDVIEW CLEANERS1445 Grandview Ave.Columbus, OH 43212(614) 486-2704

GRANDVIEW HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY 1685 W. First Ave.Columbus, OH 43212(614) 486-2951ghpl.org

GREAT CLIPS AT ARLINGTON SQUARE AND 7 OTHER AREA LOCATIONS4715 Reed Rd.Columbus, OH 43220(614) 459-4880greatclips.com

HUFFMAN’S MARKET2140 Tremont CenterColumbus, OH 43221(614) 486-5336huffmansmarket.com

JIN’S TAILORING & ALTERATIONS1630 W. First Ave.Columbus, OH 43212(614) 488-1955

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MOS MY OWN SALON2818 Fishinger Rd.Columbus, OH 43221(614) 457-6086myownsalon.com

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PAUL’S FIFTH AVENUE1565 W. Fifth Ave.Columbus, OH 43212(614) 481-8848paulsonline.com

PULP JUICE AND SMOOTHIE BAR3664 Fishinger Blvd.Hilliard, OH 43026(614) 655-7857pulpjuiceandsmoothie.com

ROTOLO’S PIZZA1749 W. Fifth Ave.Columbus, OH 43212(614) 488-7934 rotolospizza.com

SAX FIFTH AVENUE CAR WASH 1319 W. Fifth Ave.Columbus, OH 43212(614) 486-9093

SECOND CHANCE CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE1803 W. Fifth Ave.Columbus, OH 43212(614) 488-3006secondchancegrandview.com

STUDENT BOOK EXCHANGE AT OHIO STATE1806 N. High St.Columbus, OH 43201(614) 291-9528sbx-osu.com

STUDIO H HAIR SALON1279 Grandview Ave.Columbus, OH 43212(614) 485-0523salonstudioh.com

STUDIO POSH1670 W. First Ave.Columbus, OH 43212(614) 586-4180studioposh.com

TRATTORIA ROMA1447 Grandview Ave.Columbus, OH 43212(614) 488-2104trattoria-roma.com

TREMONT PHARMACY2144 Tremont CenterColumbus, OH 43221(614) 488-2625tremontcenter.com/pharmacy

UA FITNESS2100 Tremont CenterColumbus, OH 43221(614) 486-0575getfitua.com

UPPER ARLINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY2800 Tremont Rd.Columbus, OH 43221(614) 486-9621ualibrary.org

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VILLAGE SQUIRE BARBER SHOP 1245 Grandview Ave.Columbus, OH 43212(614) 488-3485

W.G. GRINDERS UPPER ARLINGTON LOCATION2820 Fishinger Rd.Columbus, OH 43221(614) 459-3663wggrinders.com

WESLEY GLEN RETIREMENT COMMUNITY5155 N. High St.Columbus, OH 43214(614) 705-2386wesleyglen.com

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WORLD OF PHOTOGRAPHY1043 W. Third Ave.Columbus, OH 43212(614) 824-5047worldofusedphotography.com

CHURCH GIFTS - CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

Life! Wynn Wiksell

HEART TO HEARTCorlene AdamsPaul & Sandy AndersonLynne AyresEdward & Julie BacomeCynthia BakerPamela BonehamSusan BrooksAaron & Gwen CarmackKevin CassadyGene CheneyAnne CliffordJim & Ginny CunninghamThomas DavisJames DeeterKirsten & Scott DoveJoe & Mary DuchiBette DuggerStephanie EvansBarbara & Barth FalkenbergJeannine FarmerGuild X FCCBob & MaryKay FennerJohn FirebaughMargaret FosterRobert & Nina FrederickDon & Karen GardinerDavid & Gloria GardnerDoug & Ann GrahamKip & Katy GreenhillJohn GreerDave & Sandra HammondRay & Susie HarphamNancy HeathCharles HendricksonMary Helen HopkinsBarb HudsonDarrel & Barb IrwinAl & Pam JamesonMarilyn JenningsRobert KeidanKathleen & Frank Kennedy-HatcherRollie & Anne KingJohn & Cathy KlamarJack & Linda KwakHolly & Bram LaymanDeb LinvilleMary LoeJim & Clare LongRon & Nancy LongKatie Mac EwanGreg MaurerStephen McIntoshBill MielkeBette Millhon Neighborhood Services IncMary NicollsGeorge Norris

Lisa & Jeff NorrisJeff OakleyBrent & Julie OsbornDave & Dody ParsonsConnie PatridgePaul & Colette Peterson JrBruce & Denise PontiousJohn & Ann RareyPriscilla RatliffJoe & Susie Ray IIIJoseph RayBruce ReidRoberta RileyTri-Village RotaryDavid & Estelle ScottMartha ShafferDave ShelbyAlan ShelineBarbara SippDave & Elaine SmithJane & George SmithSteve & Mary StoverRalph & Joan TalmageSharon TaylorLauren ThomasStephen TrendyMaggie TresslerAngela Van FossenJim VaughanBob & Sally WandelBonnie WebbRuth & Bill WhitehouseBill & Sue WilsonSteve & Sandra Young

In Honor of: Dick Wood Richard & Carol Meyer John & Cheryl Zeiger Doug & Darian Torrance Leitsa & Paul Becher Mike & Jean Griffith Barbara & Sandy Wood John & Judy Hoberg Deb Linville John & Judy HobergIn Memory of: Seeran & Chuck Traphagan Joan Sant Anne Sheline Molly Hood Carolyn Warmolts Phoebe Wienke Diane Todd Max & Kim Hardesty Mike & Jean Griffith W Peter Williams Brian & Sally Kriska Paul Kramer Linda Ritter Dick & Julie Helland The people of Aleppo Barbara Cash

Dressed for SuccessFrom left; church member Barb Davis, Donna Barnett and Rebecca Wolfe hold dresses made by Donna to be delivered to little girls at the Rafiki Children’s Center, an African mission sponsored First Community. Barb will facilitate the delivery with her husband Terry. Rebecca, who serves as Tri-Village Trading Post Director, introduced Donna to the mission.

PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHAEL BARBER


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No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.Affiliated with The United Church of Christ and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

THE PROGRAM STAFF OF FIRST COMMUNITY CHURCH Richard A. Wing, Senior Minister; Paul E. Baumer, Minister to the Staff; David S. Hett, Minister of Religious Life and Learning; Ronald J. Jenkins, Minister of Music and Liturgy; Deborah C. Lindsay, Executive Minister; James M. Long, Minister of Pastoral Care; Christopher B. Rinker, Clergy Associate; Katherine H. Shaner, Minister of Mission; Michael Barber, Director of Marketing and Communications, Sally R. Beske, Assistant Organist/Director of Youth Choirs; Leigh Anne Easterling, Director of Early Childhood Ministries and Mary Evans Child Development Center; Pam Jameson, Director of Facilities Ministry; Bobbi Mueller, Director of North Campus Administration & Akita Operations; Scot Nicoll, Executive Director of Camp Akita; Missy Obergefell, Director of Older Adult Ministry; Julie Richards, Director of K-12 Ministry; Paula L. Russell, Director of Congregational Care

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