Dr. Glen Miles, Senior Minister
William Sloane Coffin, one of the great preachers of the last century said, “Nothing scares me like scared people.” Scared people do not react well to difficult times. Scared people often make foolish ill-informed decisions.
When we brought our black lab Laila home to live with us, she was a frightened puppy. As a rescue dog , she had every right to be afraid - she was unsure of us. One moment she might be playful and energetic, and the next - for some unknown reason - be cowering in fear. Often when we fed her, she would growl at us.
Scared people behave in similar ways. It’s easy to become overwhelmed. Conspiracy theories suddenly seem to make sense. Bad news seems to be waiting on the doorstep. Irrational decisions, ones ruled by anxiety, become the norm. Relationships suffer. Families divide.
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There is plenty to be concerned about right now, even afraid. The coronavirus is dangerous, deadly. We should be careful and cautious.
But we can’t let the danger control our mindset. We must be able to see beyond the fear in order to have the strength to continue the fight against this virus.
Isaiah, writing to a nation living in exile and fear, reminds them God says, “do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you…”
This beautiful text reminds Israel, God is with them and will not abandon them. Even when the people turn away, God will go after them, to bring all home safe again.
Our sweet lab is eleven years old, now. When I was working at home during the early days of the pandemic, she would make hourly visits to my reading room to nuzzle my hand, lick my face, and say “hello.” She follows Julie around all day long. She is one of the sweetest, most loving dogs we have ever owned. She’s had some frightening moments (like when we were attacked by an off-leash dog), but she knows now she has a home where she is loved.
Laila has discovered what Isaiah found: in the presence of love, fear is replaced by hope and courage.
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The Reverend Susan Langner
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Reverend Susan Langner was ordained in the United Church of Christ on Saturday, August 28. She had this to say about the momentous occasion:
"With a full and grateful heart, I was ordained as a minister in the United Church of Christ today! Thanks be to God for calling me to this wondrous life and work. Like so many other celebrations during the pandemic, this service was adapted to include only a small gathering of people inside the sanctuary, and many more through the power of the Internet. It was a beautiful reminder that the Church is not a building; a full congregation showed up for me in big ways today. Never have I been so humbled. God is good.
Thank you to everyone who supported me on this journey, and to those who participated today - in-person or otherwise! Thank you to the many people who made this service possible, allowing my loved ones to join us from afar.
Jeff Langner - you, Drew & Caroline are simply the most amazing family. I love you."
You can watch the ordination service at the link below.
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By Jodi Patton, Governing Board President
Chaos is in our midst. Openings, closings, and re-openings are a part of life. Pandemic fatigue and our separation from one another are heavy weights. Coronavirus, racial tension, and protesting are accelerating change . Face-to-face gatherings are now online experiences. What technology has been trying for several years to establish as commonplace, this pandemic has done in less than a year.
Reverend Sarai Rice with Congregational Consulting Group offers, “It is too soon to create a definitive list of all the things we will have learned from this pandemic, but I’m clear about one thing—John Kotter was right that urgency does drive change. Under pressure from the pandemic and outrage over police violence against black people, congregations have made changes I thought I would never see. Will we be able to continue innovating when extreme urgency no longer forces us to do so?”
Recently, the Governing Board has been engaging in design-thinking inquiry. We have explored questions around change: To what is God calling us after this pandemic? If the church is “starting anew,” what could this look like?
What has the church done in response to the pandemic that should continue?
What practices might we surrender as we move forward?
These conversations have been rich and filled with constructive ideas and hope. A summary of objectives is helping guide our next programming season. Currently, it is not possible to hold the Strategic Planning program as we had intended. Meanwhile, the Governing Board will continue its planning efforts.
There comes a time when we are called to shift our way of thinking about worship and gathering together. That time is now. May God bless us as we uncover solutions to issues relating to safety and uncertainty. The World Health Organization reports 26 vaccines are in various phases of trial. We pray one will work and come to market soon. Until then, the church is being challenged to move beyond the walls of our buildings in creative ways.
Yes, chaos is in our midst, AND bringing order out of chaos is God’s specialty!
Thanks be to God!
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Governing Board and Diaconate Nomination Forms
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Due September 28!
Greetings, FC members! This is the time of year to help choose great leaders and to nominate members of our church for the Governing Board and Board of Deacons.
Nomination forms are available now through September 28. Forms are available at the reception desk at First Community North, printable version here, or can be filled out online here.
Return forms to Robin Hood at rhood@FCchurch.com or mail to First Community, attn: Robin Hood, 1320 Cambridge Blvd., Columbus, OH 43212. Thank you for your input in this important crucial process to help carry on the ministries of the church!
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Refugee Task Force is at Work
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First Community Missions and the Refugee Task Force are still hard at work in providing safety and support during these trying times. Last Saturday was a demonstration of just how hard these people work and what all is done to ensure the safety of refugees. This story of Latifah’s journey has a happy ending!
Latifah, her husband, her father-in-law and uncle left Ghana in March. They went to Brazil, then Honduras, where they were in lockdown for 3 months due to Covid-19. They traveled to Panama then Mexico where they walked 2 weeks in the desert. There, they were in detention for two weeks, and CBP wouldn’t release her husband because they don’t have a child, meaning they don’t count as a “family.” Latifah has all their paperwork, marriage license, etc., but they wouldn’t look at it. So, they sent her here by herself, 8 months pregnant.
There were a few serious hiccups during the journey to Columbus: sponsors no longer able to help, housing concerns, health and safety of mother and child during travel, etc. Luckily, Rev. Kate Shaner and the Refugee Task Force were on the case. Through many phone calls, emails, and other communications, Latifah arrived in Columbus safely, and is now staying with a sponsor.
While Latifah is now safe, she is still lacking some of the basic essentials. Refugee Task Force is working to get her the clothing and other things she may need immediately. If you’re interested in helping, please email Kate Shaner at kshaner@FCchurch.com
Latifah reported back to a contact in Texas and has expressed her deepest gratitude for the work First Community Missions and the Refugee Task Force did to help her.
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The Trading Post will continue to be open three days a week for the foreseeable future: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 am – 4 pm . Volunteers and shoppers must wear a mask, sanitize hands, and observe social distancing.
50% off Blue Tagged Clothing
Our next sale is scheduled for the first week of September - September 7, 9 and 11. All clothing with a blue tag will be 50% off on those days.
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$6 Bag Sale
We will be holding a Bag Sale on September 28, 30 and October 2. You may fill a paper grocery bag for a mere $6 with any clothing item in the store with a yellow or blue tag!
*Volunteers and shoppers must wear a mask, sanitize hands, and observe social distancing.*
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Route 66 Offers In-Person Worship Experience
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We are excited to announce First Community is offering a chance to return to in-person worship. This fall, Senior Minister Glen Miles will lead his Route 66 Bible Study with a focus on the book of Exodus.
Last Spring, this bible study evolved into a simple service of worship with musical offerings by Janelle Rogers. We are looking forward to the possibilities this service will offer to those who have a desire to begin meeting in-person.
Route 66 will also be streamed online for those who wish to participate at home. As always, you can expect to learn and grow your knowledge of the bible while enjoying Glen's energetic teaching style.
More information about safety protocols including social distanced seating, mandatory masks, and registration will be coming soon.
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Camp Akita Online Store is Open
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Are you missing Camp Akita this year? We know we are! Now you can bring a small piece of Akita home by purchasing our new Akita gear through the online Akita Store!
Visit campakita.org/akitastore to get started with your shopping. We have brand new items for you to see! Some new pieces are pre-order only, but many are in stock and can be picked up or shipped immediately. Last year’s store items are marked down, ready for immediate pick-up. We encourage pick-up to save expenses for both you and Camp Akita, but shipping options are available for those that don’t live in the central Ohio area or may not have a friend or family member who can pick-up for them.
Pre-order items should be placed by September 7 to receive your merchandise in September. Items that are immediately available can be picked up at First Community North, Monday – Friday from 9 am – 5 pm. If you are unable to pick-up during those times or you have questions, please email store@campakita.org or call Amy at (614) 488-0681 ext 113.
No matter which way you travel down the gravel road, you’ll always be going home. This is one of our favorite sayings about Camp Akita and it’s now featured on one of our two new t-shirts. Be one of the first to purchase this new shirt, and maybe add an Akita campfire mug to sip your morning coffee, or an Akita stadium blanket to wrap up on those cool evenings. Let’s bring Akita home!
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By Danita Wolfe,
Director of Camp Akita Site and Facilities
The kids may be headed back to school, and while that may look different for many, we have your family in mind. A mid-week educational getaway to Camp Akita! Reduce screen time and escape to the great outdoors.
Book a 2-night mid-week stay (Sunday – Thursday nights) and receive two (2) outdoor education curriculum activities and activity guides.
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Don’t worry about missing their virtual learning requirements. All of our cabins are equipped with high speed internet so your children will still be able to complete assignments as needed.
Click here to make a reservation today. Be sure to include the ages of your school-age children in the “Special Requests” box when making a reservation.
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ElderWisdom
September book selection:
Where the Crawdads Sing
By Delia Owens
Thursday, September 24, 1 pm
Zoom Meeting
"Where the Crawdads Sing is a 2018 novel by Delia Owens. It has topped The New York Times Fiction Best Sellers of 2019 and The New York Times Fiction Best Sellers of 2020 for a combined 32 non-consecutive weeks. The story follows two timelines that slowly intertwine." -Wikipedia
Join us! All ages are welcome. It is not essential to have read the book prior to the gathering. ElderWisdom is a discussion group that meets to explore books and topics that focus on the spiritual aspects of aging.
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For our September gathering, we will meet via Zoom on September 24 at 1 pm. Please contact Lorelei Lanier Lotozo at (614) 209-7125 or Robin Hood, Congregational Care Coordinator, with questions or to add your name to our email list to receive the Zoom link.
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It's Choir Time! New Time and Place
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By Sally Beske, Director of Youth Choirs
It’s time once again to sing, move our bodies, and learn about music! “It’s Choir Time!” is an online youth choir experience for K-5. It continues this fall, but now will be offered prior to Midweek Missions on the First Community
These 15-20 minute music lessons will be presented in two four-week units that follow the same schedule as Midweek Missions. The first unit will run from September 16 to October 7. The second unit will go from October 28 to November 18. Archived music lessons can be viewed here.
Please click here to register for choirs. For your convenience, all K-5 programming is now on the same registration form. Registration allows me to have your emergency contact information, and be aware of any medical issues your child might have, should we be able to meet in-person later this season. It ensures that I can keep you informed about changes in programming and about upcoming special events. Registration also allows me to greet your child with a card or a note through the mail. When you register, please consider making a donation to help support our youth choir ministry during this challenging time.
I look forward to “seeing” your K-5 child online on Wednesday afternoons. For more information about our youth choirs email Sally Beske.
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We miss seeing your kids and you but are excited to offer a variety of ways to engage this fall including Sunday school, Midweek Missions, choir, and story time. Our usual programs will take place, but in different ways.
Sunday School
Beginning on September 6, there will be a Zoom Sunday school option offered from 10- 10:30 am. If we have enough interest in the Zoom lesson, we will divide into two Zoom classes by grade level. We will continue to offer lesson videos for those who prefer that format. Look for an email each Sunday morning with the link for the 10 am Zoom lesson, as well as the link to watch the prerecorded lesson. The video lesson will also be available on the First Community K-5 Ministry Facebook page.
Midweek Missions
We are looking forward being able to offer Midweek Missions in an unusual way this fall. MWM will be offered as two four-week units where participants will pick up packets with the materials for all the projects in the unit ahead of time. The first unit will be all about Community and will run from September 16 to October 7. In the second unit we will put together our annual Thanksgiving Baskets for Gladden Community House families. This unit will go from October 28 to November 18.
On Wednesdays at 4:30 pm, the Midweek Missions video lesson for that week’s project will be shared on the main First Community Facebook page. Most weeks, children can watch the video and do the project when it is convenient for them. One Wednesday during the four-week unit, I will meet via Zoom for 30 minutes with the kids from specific grade levels to check in and do a project together. Here is the schedule for our grade level Zoom gatherings:
• September 16 at 5:15 pm – Grades 4 and 5
• September 23 at 5:15 pm – Grades 2 and 3
• September 30 at 5:15 pm – Grade 1
• October 7 at 5:15 pm - Kindergarten
Please click here to register for these programs. We ask families to register every year to ensure we have the most updated information for your child. Registration allows us to prepare materials, have your emergency contact information, and be aware of any medical issues your child might have. Registration also ensures we can keep you informed about changes in our programming and about upcoming special events.
Midweek Missions projects are not supported by the church operating budget. Our main source of income typically comes from doughnut and pizza sales, which we are currently unable to do. Please consider making a donation when you register so our costs can be covered.
Important upcoming K-5 Ministry dates and times:
- Sept 6, 10 am - Zoom Sunday school begins (video Sunday school offered as well)
- Sept. 13, 10 am - Zoom Sunday school grades 1-5 (video Sunday school offered as well)
- Sept. 13, 10:30 am - Zoom Sunday school for incoming Kindergarteners
- Sept 13, noon- 2 pm - Drive through K-5 greeting and Sunday school bag pick-up
- Sept 16, 4 pm - It’s Choir Time - First Community K-5Facebook page
- Sept 16, 4:30 pm - Midweek Missions - First Community Main Facebook page
- Sept. 16. 5:15pm - Grades 4 and 5 meet via zoom to do a Midweek Missions activity (all grade levels will have a week to meet via Zoom).
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Mary Evans Child Development Center is hiring for a few part-time positions.
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Mary Evans Child Development Center is enrolling for fall.
There are still a few spots left for full-day preschool 2 or 3 days a week, as well as part-day (8:30 am -1:30 pm) and toddlers.
We are committed to keeping our class size at the smaller recommended ratios.
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By Rev. David Hett, Minister of Religious Life and Learning
Looking back, my first mystical experiences were in nature: sitting under the neighbor’s willow tree as a little boy playing with toy soldiers and tanks, but instead getting immersed in the play of sunlight through the branches; being with my extended family gathered at Butternut Lake in northern Wisconsin on summer vacations and feeling the complete relaxation of safety, surrounded by tall pines and beech trees and near water.
I’m still having experiences of quiet awe and feelings of oneness—walking the other day on a quiet Monday afternoon at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park (the photo accompanying this column), or just becoming one with the upper tree branches swaying in the breeze while sitting on my front lawn.
These experiences recognize a description of “God” in the word “panentheism,” as Marcus Borg and others have described in Zoom classes we’ve hosted over the summer. It’s a strange word that simply means whatever we call “God” is both inside and outside of everything and each of us.
In the midst of such wonder, says philosopher Jacob Needleman, all my ordinary concerns, fears, and worries are quieted. The source or trigger for this wonder is always outside . . . but the experience is inside. What I see out there awakens an impersonal joy within me, as if this wonder is what I really am, rather than being my day-to-day self.
We don’t have to go outside ourselves to know God’s presence. “The kingdom of God is within you,” Jesus knew. Ultimately, there is no inside or outside—it’s all One, and so this Presence is with you, whether surrounded by others or totally alone.
As in my favorite Edwina Gateley quote: “We swim in God.”
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South Location New Home Of
C.G. Jung Association
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After 40 years, since First Community members Bob and Ann Murtha and others founded the C. G. Jung Association of Central Ohio, the Jung Association (JACO) offices are moving to First Community South in the space that was the old music office.
The sale of JungHaus, JACO’s previous home in the Short North, precipitated this change of location, which, according to Rev. David Hett, Spiritual Director of The Burkhart Center, was a “synchronicity” of timing, for several reasons.
“Ever since we began contemplating The Burkhart Center some 20 years ago,” David said, “it has been our intent as expansion took place at both Columbus locations that space might become available to rent to our ‘sister’ organizations, those like-minded groups that are also about nurturing heart, mind, body, and soul, as is the mission of our center. This is a beginning fruition of that vision.
“It’s also a synergy of events because my friend and former colleague, Dawn Costin, is the administrator for JACO, and so she will be the main person in their office, one floor below The Burkhart Center offices at South."
Dawn Costin was our valued K-5 Director for many years before retiring from that position just a few years ago, so we are welcoming her back into our spaces.
The Jung Association announced to their membership that they will be hosting a “housewarming” for their new office whenever everything is safely opened up again.
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Burkhart Center Classes and Events
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Thursday Meditation Group Weekly on Zoom
11:45 am – 1 pm, September 3 - 24
The Contemplative Way Group gathers on Zoom around 11:40 am each Thursday for a time of sacred reading and discussion, followed by a 30-minute silent group meditation.
While we are meeting online we follow that week’s daily meditations from Richard Rohr’s Center for Action and Contemplation (sign up for Father Rohr’s Daily Meditations at www.cac.org ). Using these meditations and other sources, we engage in sacred discussion from about 11:45-12:25 pm.
We conclude with all participants practicing a 30-minute meditation beginning around 12:25 pm each week. Each participant meditates silently in whatever style is their preference.
Register for this ongoing group HERE.
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How To Be An Antiracist
Tuesday Morning Study
Beginning Tuesday, September 8, the 9:30-10:45 am weekly Zoom Discussion Group will focus on Ibram X. Kendi’s important #1 best-selling memoir, How to Be an Antiracist.
How to Be an Antiracist promises to become an essential book for anyone who wants to go beyond an awareness of racism to the next step of contributing to the formation of a truly just and equitable society.
Register for this ongoing Burkhart Center discussion group HERE.
Ibram X. Kendi's concept of antiracism reenergizes and reshapes the conversation about racial justice in America--but even more fundamentally, points us toward liberating new ways of thinking about ourselves and each other. Instead of working with the policies and system we have in place, Kendi asks us to think about what an antiracist society might look like, and how we can play an active role in building it.
In his memoir, Kendi weaves together an electrifying combination of ethics, history, law, and science--including the story of his own awakening to antiracism--bringing it all together in a cogent, accessible form. He begins by helping us rethink our most deeply held, if implicit, beliefs and our most intimate personal relationships (including beliefs about race and IQ and interracial social relations) and reexamines the policies and larger social arrangements we support.
Educator and past First Community Governing Board chair Connie Johnston facilitates this discussion with assistance from Rev. David Hett.
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September Much Matters Book Group:
Anne Lamott’s Almost Everything
Thursday, September 17
6 – 8 pm via Zoom
The monthly Burkhart Center book discussion in September features the ever-brilliant Anne Lamott, the New York Times-bestselling author of Help, Thanks, Wow.
In Almost Everything, Anne Lamott brings the book we need from her now: How to bring hope back into our lives.
In this profound and funny book, Lamott calls for each of us to rediscover the nuggets of hope and wisdom buried within us that can make life sweeter than we ever imagined. Divided into short chapters that explore life's essential truths, Almost Everything pinpoints these moments of insight as it shines an encouraging light forward. Candid and caring, insightful and sometimes hilarious, Almost Everything is the book we need and that only Anne Lamott can write.
This month’s discussion facilitator is Laura Janson Moir.
Register for this Burkhart Center class HERE.
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Progressive Spirituality Monthly Zoom Group:
Saturday, September 19, 9:30 – 11:30 am
This group incorporates a progressive spirituality and Christianity into an emerging movement both within and outside the traditional church. In August, for example, the group discussed an interview with philosopher Jacob Needleman, “On God Without Religion,” and Progressing Spirit articles by African-American writer, Rev. Irene Monroe, on “The ‘Good Trouble’ of John Lewis,” and the Rev. John Dorhauer on “A White Man Makes the Case for Reparations,” among other discussion topics.
Membership at Progressing Spirit website has a minimal monthly/yearly cost, but supports their mission to provide thoughtful insight into emerging religious themes. These articles often come from young progressive thinkers and activists, as well as more well-known religious names. John Dorhauer, for example is president of The United Church of Christ, First Community’s denominational affiliation.
We also review other articles chosen by facilitator Rev. David Hett and those offered by class participants. Oftentimes special video lectures accompany the reading material as further discussion starters. Register for this ongoing class HERE.
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Gun Violence Prevention Update
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After hosting two successful events, the First Community Gun Violence Prevention and Safety Task Force began planning a third event focusing on helping participants find their angle regarding guns in America. The goal was to connect people with advocacy groups in central Ohio so they could move from passivity to action. Sadly, the Corona Virus halted plans for any in person events and Find Your Angle was put on hold.
Considering recent events, the task force feels it is time to reflect on where we have been and broaden our focus to include a better understanding of where gun violence and racial equality intersect.
The GVPSTF report (see link below) provides an overview of the progress to date with a summary of the group's events. In addition, the report provides links to resources to help you become informed and involved. We encourage you to find your angle in the movement to reduce gun violence.
Click the button below to download a copy of the report.
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