Dr. Glen Miles,
Senior Minister
Have you experienced fear during the last two and a half months? Are you worried about a family member, friend, or co-worker? Maybe your business has taken a serious financial hit and you’re worried about the immediate future.
The list of things causing us fear is probably longer than the print version of this month’s
firstnews
. A lot of the fear comes from the lack of knowing what is next. How long will things be so unsettled? When will a vaccine be ready? And, well, yeah, the list is really long.
Five hundred years before the time of Jesus an ancient Hebrew poet wrote,
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
(Psalm 56:3)
It is a lovely thought. The lines of this psalm have been set to music and it is a beautiful one to sing.
However, we must be clear about what it means to trust in God. There is a great deal of confusion among some people of faith who believe that practicing social distancing, wearing masks in public, and other safe practices, demonstrates a lack of trust in God.
|
|
Nothing could be further from the truth. At First Community, we continue to seek advice from experts. We are listening to scientists and other leaders in health and public safety. It is the responsible thing to do. We do not want our decisions to be controlled by fear, but we do want to thoughtfully carry them out in a way that continues to make sure all we do is safe.
In this moment, I continue to trust in God. I believe God is with us here and now. I have faith that the Spirit of God is inspiring the doctors and nurses, first-responders, grocery store clerks, community leaders, and delivery persons, to continue doing what they do.
Today, I prayed for God to continue to provide us strength, courage, and hope as we move forward in faith. I’ve experienced some of the same fears as you, but together we can stand strong in our trust in God.
|
|
In-Person Worship Service Opportunity
|
|
Join us for an in-person worship service opportunity.
Saturday, July 25, 10 am, Sanctuary, North.
There will be a
limit of 100 persons
permitted.
All persons who plan to attend must register.
Registration will close once our limit has been reached.
You must register each person in your party who plans to attend. Please click “add registrant” when registering more than one person. You can find our Health and Safety Guidelines
here.
Please register by clicking the button below. If you have trouble registering, please call Jane Torbica at (614)488-0681 ext. 100 or email
Emily Rogers
.
|
|
First Community Governing Board Update
|
|
By Jodi Patton,
Governing Board Chair
In January, when I moved into the role as Governing Board Chair, no one could have imagined our world was going to be so different. In recent weeks, it has changed again with injustice, upheaval, and pain. Specific plans I envisioned for First Community in 2020 will not come into fruition, yet the most essential vision for our church remains the same: to offer the love of God to all people. Right now, “flexibility in the midst of disaster” is my mantra. After watching our church family confront the challenges of the past several months, I am confident we are achieving this vision, and that together, we will continue to allow God’s love to flow through us.
In this spirit, there is good news happening right under the church’s virtual roof. In the past several weeks, the church has been offering care to our congregation through senior adult and all-church outreach programs. It has been enjoyable making personal connections with one another by phone and technology. Thanks to all of you who are participating in this fellowship.
|
|
As you may recall, due to the pandemic, the Governing Board had to cancel its strategic planning event in March of this year. This retreat has been rescheduled for September. The Reverend Sarai Rice with Congregational Consulting Group, will lead us through an Appreciative Inquiry Planning model. More to come on this soon.
In preparation for re-opening the church, the Governing Board is currently reviewing numerous health safety documents established by our Health Team. We intend to be fully and completely prepared with the highest level of safety precaution in place for the return to in-person worship. Of course, re-opening will only happen when it is safe to do so, because the good health of all who enter our buildings is our top priority. Thank you for your patience and understanding in this matter.
Take good care of yourself and one another.
|
|
|
|
Rev. Paul Baumer Celebrates Ordination Anniversary
|
Paul Baumer was ordained in, West Bend, Wisconsin, at his home church on
June 5, 1960
.
Paul had this to say about his life in ministry, "From YMCA camp staff days to now, I have always enjoyed working with and helping people. Serving as a pastor and preacher has been a wonderful walk with God and God’s people."
Senior Minister, Glen Miles said this about Rev. Baumer,
"Paul Baumer is the model minister. He is one of the finest pastors I have ever known. He continues to be an inspiration in my ministry and my life."
Please join us in congratulating Paul as he celebrates 60 years in ministry.
|
|
 |
Mary Evans is open for business! We created many new procedures in response to COVID-19, including daily health checks, increased sanitizing in classrooms, and sanitizing the playground between classroom groups.
|
|
|
|
Camp Akita would like to thank our amazing camp families who generously donated all or a portion of their camp fees being refunded due to the cancellation of summer camp on-site programming. At a time when we were all so disappointed we could not gather together in person at Akita, your generosity was very heartwarming and appreciated. The funds will help thank our summer counselors who had committed to work this summer, maintain, and improve our facilities, and care for our year-round staff. We can’t wait to one day welcome you back home at Camp Akita!
|
|
|
|
Tree Planted in Memory of Jacob E. Davis
|
|
A tree was planted in the courtyard at 3777 Dublin Road in 2003 to celebrate the life of Sallie Davis’ husband, Jacob E. Davis. The expansion project required the tree to be removed. Recently, a new tree (Freeman’s Maple) was planted in the Columbarium area to remember and celebrate his life.
|
|
Congregational Care Update
|
|
Prayers and Squares continues to provide quilts through Facebook posts for people to say a prayer and “sign” their name by liking the post or commenting on the picture. In total this year, Prayers and Squares provided quilts to 23 people. Anyone is welcome to visit First Community on Facebook to virtually sign their name and say a prayer for the recipients of the quilts.
Our Prayers and Squares ministry also continues to provide blankies to members of the congregation who have recently had a baby. We delivered 10 blankies so far in 2020. If you or someone in your family had a baby this year, please let us know and we will joyfully and prayerfully send a blankie!
FC is now able to hold in-person private baptisms! We will continue to follow the guidelines recommended by Governor DeWine.
Remember you also can send prayer requests for the prayer chain online. You can use the MinistryOne app on your phone by selecting the “Contact" button and then click on “Prayer Needs,” or use the online form
here
. All prayer chain requests are held in confidence.
|
|
The Congregational Care Council (CCC) continues to meet monthly online. This intimate Council provides many caring opportunities for the members of FC. Each month, we write notes to members who are experiencing the 1-year anniversary of the death of a loved one. CCC, along with the Older Adult Council, also prepare and host the food, entertainment, and all the material needed for the Burkhart Luncheon (formerly Sweetheart Luncheon) in May. Unfortunately, this luncheon couldn’t happen this year, but we are hopeful to be able to host this gathering next year.
In addition, CCC delivers roses and flowers on different occasions to members experiencing grief, provides cookies for special events and celebrations at the church, and assists with preparing elements and serving communion along with the Deacons.
If you think you might want to be a part of this caring council, have a suggestion for someone to receive a quilt or baby blankie, or would like information on our current baptism practices, email
Robin Hood
or call
(614) 488-0681, ext. 235.
|
|
|
|
American Red Cross
Blood Drive
|
Thank you to all who were able to donate on June 16. Red Cross had 42 donors, collected 37 pints of blood, and recruited 4 first-time donors! Your efforts have potentially helped save 111 lives! Click
here
to learn more about The American Red Cross Wonder Woman 1984 program, which includes a free t-shirt.
Our next blood drive is at FC South, Brownlee Hall on July 1 from 12 -6 pm. Call 1-800-RED CROSS
Contact Robin Hood at
|
|
Our newest members joined on June 28 on our first ever virtual New Member Sunday.
|
|
Inspiration and Education in Art
|
|
By Susan Langner,
Minister to Youth
I am convinced God created artists to teach and inspire.
In a recent Crossroads youth group gathering, we explored how visual art and music can be healthy expressions of our feelings, our faith, and our reactions to the world around us. We looked at some pictures (through the miracle of “screen share” on Zoom!) of artwork that has popped up at the Ohio Theater in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests. According to
an article
by Jennifer Hambrick from WOSU, “Ohio Theatre's mural was created by artists associated with Blockfort Gallery and Studios in downtown Columbus. It is one of a growing number created by Columbus artists in the #ArtUnitesCbus project, which expresses support of the protesters and hope for a better future.” Through these paintings, we learn about others’ experiences with and responses to racism, which fosters meaningful conversation.
It is an ancient practice to document events and human responses to them through visual and musical art. We see this in our sacred texts, most notably in the psalms. Psalmists recorded the events of their day, and their relationships with each other and with God through poetry and song.
|
|
Archeological artifacts from religious communities provide additional glimpses into the past with artistic renderings and treasures. We have come to learn much about our faith traditions and about history through these writings and artifacts! Modern-day Columbus artists and our faith forebears have much in common: they have used their gifts to tell important stories, marking moments in history while creating beauty out of a collective pain. I am moved by their creations and their ability to express a deep, abiding hope for our future.
As we work to educate ourselves on issues of race, justice, equality, and historical systems of oppression, I’m wondering how we can look toward music and art to inform our understanding. What struggle is the artist portraying? What incident are they reflecting upon? What is their hope for the future? I pray we might all take the time to learn from the lyrics being written and the colors splashed across the canvas. God is still speaking to us, through artists of all kinds.
|
|
In its effort to support the church’s missions and ministries and meet the moment during the COVID-19 pandemic, the First Community Foundation with the Mission Council provided emergency
grants totaling approximately $7,400 to individuals negatively affected by the pandemic. Funds have been used to pay for rent and other basic necessities. The Foundation Board decided urgent action was necessary outside of its normal grant-approval process, and it is continuing to examine ways to be most relevant and helpful in these challenging times.
|
|
Other recent grants include:
- $8,000 to pay for a new HVAC system and fire door for the Trading Post (funds provided by the Ralph and Mary Johansmann Capital Improvement Endowment Fund).
- $25,000 to make improvements to the Memorial Garden area at South, including replacing deteriorated doors and hardware (funds provided by the Sallie Davis Memorial Garden Fund).
- $24,000 to provide updates to the media equipment at South (funds provided by the Nelson and Emma French Media Donor-Advised Fund and Ralph and Mary Johansmann Capital Improvement Endowment Fund).
The Foundation Board thanks the many donors whose funds support the grants awarded.
For more information about making a gift to the Foundation, or to learn more about its activities, please contact Paul Anderson at (614) 255-3186 or
panderson@FCchurch.com
|
|
|
|
First Community Foundation Update
By Karl Klamar,
Foundation Board Chair
The First Community Foundation continues to play an active role in providing funds for the ministries of First Community. Thirteen committed Board members continued to meet monthly via video conferencing. The work of the various committees also continued during the stay at home period.
In 2019, the Foundation had one of its best years. Our assets grew due to gifts of $836,000 while a 20% market return allowed our assets to reach $8.1m. The Foundation granted over $600,000 to the ministries and programs of First Community and our community. The major grants included money to help fund the columbarium and water feature in the North memorial garden, funding for the Dominica orphanage in the Dominican Republic, and a grant for the Klais organ. Smaller grants included funding the Welcome table in the North Narthex and funding for Sarah Kientz to initiate a young adult ministry.
The first half of 2020 had its challenges. The rollercoaster ride in the financial market caused our holdings to drop significantly, only to recover to almost their pre-COVID levels. Our assets as of May 31, 2020 were almost $7.8m.
|
|
Our contributions have slowed and are $210,000 so far in 2020, which includes a $200,000 gift from one family in support of Akita. Grants have been $254,000 and includes continued support of the Dominica orphanage, a new dining hall roof and truck for Akita, funding of HVAC systems for the Annex and new doors for the South building at the Memorial Garden.
In response to the COVID crisis, The Foundation partnered with the Mission Council to provide emergency relief to those in our church family in need during this very challenging time. Rev. Kate Shaner is administering this program which has already supported families to meet their critical housing, food, and transportation needs. The Foundation’s donors allowed the Foundation to support First Community in so many ways.
If you have any questions about the Foundation, please reach out to our Director, Paul Anderson, or any of our Board members. Perhaps there is a way a gift to the Foundation can fit into your estate plan you would like to discuss. Doing so may allow those ministries of First Community Church to continue to flourish in the years ahead.
|
|
|
It's Choir Time
with Sally Beske
Songs, movement activities, and lessons about music fill this 15-20 minute program broadcast from the guest room of Mrs. Beske’s house.
For a happy boost to your day, no matter how old you are, come join our children’s choir community online for
It’s Choir Time!
|
|
|
|
Chas Wetherbee in Recital
If you are looking for some music to listen to as you relax, dine, or sip a glass of wine, this weekend, above are links to two virtual recitals given by Charles Wetherbee, former Concertmaster of the CSO.
Chas, and his colleagues in Carpe Diem String Quartet, will be presenting concerts here at First Community for their upcoming season (more details to come). Enjoy!
|
|
|
|
Rebecca Wolfe Announces Retirement!
|
The Trading Post was founded in 1953 as a project of First Community’s Women Guild. It has financial supported the missions and ministries of First Community. It was founded as a way for Dr. Roy Burkhart to fund a psychologist to the church staff. Over the years, the Trading Post has sponsored radio broadcasts of our worship and makes an operating pledge to the church, in addition to many other gifts.
Rebecca Wolfe answered the call almost 7 years ago and has been the Director of the Trading Post. Under her leadership, the operations of the Trading Post has grown significantly and the appearance has vastly improved. You almost would not know it is a thrift store.
|
|
Sadly, Rebecca has announced her retirement, beginning August 1, to spend more time with her family. We are sad to see her go, but it is for all the right reasons. We are looking for a new Director. If you have an interest in serving as the Director on an interim or permanent basis, please contact
Paul Anderson
at (614) 255-3186
|
|
It is Popsicle Weather – What You Need is at the Trading Post
Kids and adults need to get out and social distance in the sunshine during these sunny days of summer. It is hot, and the Trading Post has all the warm weather gear you need at
25% off.
We not only have popsicle making kits, but pool and yard toys, and lots of
cool
clothing.
We are taking appointments for shopping Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. It’s easy to do, just email
Rebecca Wolfe,
and she’ll set up a convenient time for you in our air-conditioned shop!
|
|
Trading Post Accepting Donations
Our mission thrives on the clean, beautiful donations of our congregation and friends. We are accepting donations right now between 9-10 am Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at the Trading Post in the First Community South Annex building. If you need another time, please contact
Rebecca Wolfe
, and she will accommodate you.
|
|
Gift Cards = Buying = Giving
At the Trading Post, each time a shopper spends money with us, it translates into dollars given away. Our profits go to help with ministries of the church, the mission council, and community charities.
From our 2019 work, we were able to give $5,000 to CHOICEs, the domestic abuse center of Franklin County, $5,000 to Huckleberry House, helping homeless youth, and $6500 to First Community Mission Council.
We are now offering gift cards in $10 and $25 denominations. Won’t you please consider offering a gift card to someone who could use a little help with clothing or household needs during this time? Or buy one for a friend or someone who has never shopped with us before.
Contact
Rebecca Wolfe
for purchase or questions about gift cards.
|
|
An Emerging Christian Way Explored in "Beyond Belief" with Marcus Borg
Even friends from Florida are joining us for this 6-week Zoom series featuring the new paradigm work of
The Heart of Christianity
author and Burkhart Center Spiritual Searcher, Marcus Borg.
The series continues to meet on Zoom Thursday evenings, 7 -8:30 pm, July 2-23, facilitated by Rev. David Hett, and you can still register for this event and attend the final four meetings even if you’ve missed the first two.
|
|
If you haven’t attended yet, and want to do some preparation work (although not necessary), reading any of Marcus’ works, particularly
The Heart of Christianity
or a newer compilation,
Days of Awe and Wonder
, or his classic works,
Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time
or
Reading the Bible Again for the First Time
would be to anyone’s benefit.
The first two sessions explored Jesus as a spirit-filled, compassion-filled wisdom and justice teacher, as well as the quest for the historical Jesus, and Jesus’ conception of “the kingdom of God.” The next four sessions are entitled “Following of the Alternative Way of Jesus,” “Reading the Bible Again for the First Time,” “An Emerging Way for Christianity,” and “Beyond Belief to Be-love.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
- July on the Gulf Coast: honoring Back Bay Mission
- SIGN UP TO Serve meals-to-go at St Johns UCC
- Conversations on Race with Kate and Kris Loformento
|
|
|
|
Announcing Heart to Heart's New Pop-Up Pantry
|
With food insecurity continuing to grow in Central Ohio during the recent widespread pandemic, Heart to Heart is expanding its mission by reaching out to serve clients and their families directly in their local communities while continuing to provide our current drive-through service.
Pop Up Pantry sites will be established working in partnership with local community agencies, such as supportive housing complexes, senior centers and neighborhood community centers and other community-based organizations. Food from our pantry will be bagged and delivered to an agency’s site location for distribution to clients and their families.
|
|
The Pop Up Pantry will operate once a week with a small team of volunteers. All Pop Up Pantry volunteers will follow current COVID 19 guidelines, including social distancing, face covering and hand hygiene, to ensure a safe environment.
Through the Pop Up Pantry, Heart to Heart continues to further the mission of First Community in serving others as God calls us to do and in meeting the needs of our local community during a time of a serious and widespread pandemic and increased food insecurity.
For additional information regarding Heart to Heart:
|
|
|
|
Thursday Contemplative Experiences Offer Evening Meditation Opportunity
|
Our two new Contemplative Experiences for July will feature guest spiritual directors Lisa Bueche (July 9, 9 pm), and Jodi Patton (July 16, 9 pm). The theme for July 9 is “Transformation,” while July 16 theme is “Welcoming What Is Here.”
|
|
Meanwhile, Thursday, July 2, will feature a version of a Lenten contemporary service from this past March, and on July 23, the final contemporary experience for the summer will be a replay of our first such service with Virginia Macali and Rev. Hett on the theme of “Living in a Time of Uncertainty.” This will end our Thursday evening Contemplative Experience showings for this summer. We hope to return in the fall with monthly centering experiences.
Join Rev. David Hett and these guest presenters for quiet ways to end your evening on First Community’s Facebook page or FCchurch.tv.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thursday Noon Contemplative Group Meditation with Readings from Richard Rohr
|
Zoom Meditative Time
Thursdays, 11:45 am– 1 pm
A 30-minute group silent meditation each week follows “sacred reading” and discussion of Richard Rohr’s daily meditations (
www.cac.org
).
Join for only the meditation if desired, from 12:25-12:55 pm.
Hosted by Rev. David Hett.
|
|
|
|
|
|
“How to Save Religion from Itself” - Topic for Tuesday Morning Discussion Group
|
Zoom Discussion Group
Tuesdays, 9:30-10:45 am
Our Zoom version of the “Tuesday at Ten” class now meets at 9:30 am, and the new study is of Rabbi Donniel Hartman’s provocative book,
Putting God Second.
Our July meetings will focus on themes of “God Intoxication and God Manipulation,” “Recovering from God Intoxication,” and “Immunizing Against God Manipulation.” Rev. David Hett facilitates the discussions and new members are welcome to join and recommended to order discounted books online to read ahead. Several sessions will also be held in August.
|
|
|
|
Progressing Spirit
Discusses
Thoughts
Of Emerging
Young Men and Women of Faith
|
|
You may not know the names Lauren Van Ham, Matthew Syrdal, Jennifer Berit, Deshna Charron Shine, Skylar Wilson, Jacqueline Lewis, Joran Slane Oppelt, or Aurelia Davila Pratt, but these are a few of the new and rising voices for a progressive spirituality whose thoughts are discussed at the twice-a-month Zoom gatherings of
Progressing Spirit
on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month from 9:30-11:30 am, led by Rev. David Hett. Class meets Saturdays (July 11 and July 25) this month.
Their themes run the gamut of religion and spirituality, including concern for creation, for the opening of hearts in matters of racism, sexism, nationalism, and all the other “isms” affecting us, and especially for deepening a closer relationship to the sacred.
Our discussions are joined by voices of elders in progressive faith, like Matthew Fox, Gretta Vosper, John Shelby Spong, Brian McLaren, and others in the series offered by
www.progressingspirit.org
for a nominal subscription fee. There is no fee for participating in the class discussions.
For questions, or if financial obligations make it impossible to subscribe to the weekly columns, contact
Rev. Hett
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
