by Rev. Glen Miles, Senior Minister

“And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight...”

Paul wrote these words from prison in Ephesus. The hand Paul used to write this letter was battered and bruised from the beating and torturing he had endured. Dried blood stained his clothes. While he was in the prison in Ephesus he feared for his life.

Paul was a political prisoner. He had inflamed the leading business leaders of Ephesus. They hated him because the more people flocked to Christianity, the less they spent on the artifacts of their old religious beliefs. The businesses of the day were negatively impacted, and this led to political unrest.

Despite the horrors he must have faced and the overwhelming fear that certainly filled him at times, he prayed for the Philippians to experience the connection of head and heart, of love and wisdom, and of grace and knowledge. He wrote with shackles on his wrists, and instructed, “Let your love overflow more and more with knowledge...”

Paul's letter speaks across the centuries to our present day with concise instruction: “Let you love overflow.” In another translation, it says, let your love “flourish...”

He instructs the church to connect love and wisdom. He wants the church's heart to overflow but he wants that action to result in what New Testament scholar Tom Wright calls, “moral discernment.”

This is not a pollyannish call to “just be loving and not worry about anything." This is not “Don’t worry, be happy,” theology. This is a clear and direct call to see each other and the world through the eyes of love.

Seeing with the eyes of love takes courage and guts and, in the church, means we must be willing to look at the issues in our world with open hearts and informed minds. We must be honest about issues like racism. It means we ask the question, “Will fear guide our thoughts and actions or will it be the love and grace of God?”

Love that is connected to our minds does not shy away from hard conversations. It does not avoid telling the truth and engaging tough topics. This is a love, as Fred Craddock says, that is willing to put “itself to the test in real-life situations and making moral choices in matters that count.”

Now is the time for the church of Jesus Christ to take a stand, to preach the inclusive Gospel of God’s undying love for all, and to leave fear finally and fully behind knowing that perfect love casts out fear. The time is now. Let’s take Jesus to the streets and let love flourish.

by Cydney Philbin, Governing Board Chair

Thanks to all of you who attended the Annual Church Member meeting on January 30, the first online annual business meeting at First Community. At this meeting, it was my honor to move into the Governing Board Chair position. If you were unable to attend, you can watch the video linked below. I am looking forward to 2021, with each day seeming to get a little better. Hopefully, the vaccine will help us get closer to in-person worship again. In the meantime, let’s keep meeting at the 9 am and 11 am services online.

I would like to thank Jamie Greene for his five years of service on the Governing Board. His thoughtful presence will be missed. Jodi Patton has moved into the Immediate Past Chair position and is the Chair of the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee. The Governing Board members are very appreciative of Jodi’s dedicated leadership and passion for First Community. Alice Finley is now the Vice Chair of the Governing Board and Chair of the Personnel Committee. Jason Milligan continues as Church Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee. I am grateful for all the time and enthusiasm these officers have shared with the Governing Board.

Our gratitude goes to those whose Governing Board terms have ended: Jamie Greene, Past Chair and for members Steve Crawford, Elizabeth Downey, Becki Harr and Scott Walker. The Governing Board sincerely welcomes Alice Finley for her willingness to serve as Vice Chair, and new governing board members: Tricia Baxley, April Howe, Deb Humphrey, Doug Torrance, and Andrew Wildman. We thank you for your dedication to First Community.

In February, the Governing Board members will be signing up to serve on either a standing committee or as a liaison to one of our many church councils. The plan is to make the assignments early in the month so the liaisons can quickly begin their work in these new roles.

The beginning of Lent brings a new invitation—an invitation into a deeper life of faith, an invitation to renewed spirituality, and an invitation into deeper awareness of God and self. First Community has many opportunities to assist you on your Lenten journey. A special Lenten firstnews issue will be emailed February 10 and will include information and registration links for all our services and events. Stay tuned!

Below are three opportunities we want you to know about now so that you can mark your calendars and register.

Please join us for a First Community family Mardi Gras Pancake Celebration.

This Mardi Gras celebration will happen in your home where you will make Pancakes for Dinner on Tuesday, February 16. You will prepare, eat and do funny challenges with the cakes. We will release a fun video of First Community staff making pancakes and will share some silly pancake challenges you can try at home. You are encouraged to share picture and video proof of your pancake antics.

We can’t be together in person eating too many carbs, but we can participate in an event together as a church community. Register for this free event to get pancake recipes from around the world, as well as ideas for family fun pancake challenges.

Registration also puts you in the running for a random drawing where one household will receive a Mardi Gras King Cake delivered to your home.

Please join us for some Mardi Gras fun!

Questions? Contact Julie Richards Director of K-5 Ministry

First Community is providing Lenten Boxes filled with materials to participate in Lenten practices from home. Spend this season in reflection with us, as we remember Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness and acknowledge that, like Jesus, we are never alone in our trials or grief. Items for the box have been specially selected to help us draw near to God during this unique time in our lives.

These Lenten Boxes are designed for all ages, with engaging activities for adults and children alike. Here is a sneak peek at what you’ll find inside:

Please register for only one box per household. Lenten Boxes are provided by funds from the Worship & Arts program, but free-will donations are gratefully accepted to offset the costs.

Boxes will be available for pickup at the following times and locations:

Instructions for each activity can be found in the box and will soon be available on our Lenten webpage.

Contact Rev. Susan Langner or Carrie Schwab with any questions regarding Lenten Boxes.

Join us Ash Wednesday for a drive-thru service, 5-6:30 pm at both North and South. Clergy will offer a blessing, provide you with an Ash Wednesday at-home service bulletin, and if you've registered for a Lenten Box, you can pick-up (north only) at that time. We hope to see you on this evening.

by Jackie Cherry, Church Historian

My dictionary defines Lent as the period of forty days, excluding Sundays, observed in Christian churches from Ash Wednesday till Easter as a season of penitence and self-denial. It is also a time for renewal and reflection as we prepare spiritually for the miracle of Easter. In this period that for many Christians also includes fasting, it is interesting to note that during past years our church calendar has so often included Shrove Tuesday spaghetti suppers, congregational dinners, and potlucks. This was especially true in our early history and during the years when Dr. Englund was our Senior Minister. Harold did love potlucks and they often concluded with him at the piano leading rousing sing-a-longs.

In early 1976 when Dr. Englund arrived, he found a church in deep financial crisis, even after budget cuts and elimination of some staff positions. The Governing Board had prepared a temporary budget for only the first quarter of the year. Harold initiated a Lenten Renewal Campaign to raise additional funds and prevent further cuts in staff and programs that was highly successful.

During Dr. Burkhart's era members were invited to find time for meditation by sitting alone in the sanctuary or the Zell Chapel where they could also find the communion elements so they could privately serve themselves. Lowell Riley led his choirs in special performances of great music for the season. Two that I especially recall were "The Seven Last Words of Christ" and the central Ohio premier of Poulenc's "Gloria."

Bob Raines opened our Lenten period with an Ash Wednesday potluck followed by communion. A series of weekly discussion groups with a curriculum designed by the pastoral staff, but led by lay volunteers was very well attended throughout Lent and a new series was created each year throughout his ministry.

During the Lenten season of 1980 our congregation was invited to attend weekly small group discussions and Bible study created by John Cairns and focusing on how we encounter God in our heritage, holiness, and love.

In 1987 under the leadership of Barry Johnson, our Lenten schedule included a Shrove Tuesday spaghetti dinner, four weekly classes to discuss The Celebration of Discipline a book by Richard Foster, a one-night discussion group led by Bill Hensley and Jeb Magruder and ending with an all-church potluck preceding a film.

My personal favorite observance of Lent for many years has been as a member of the Chancel Choir when we sing one of the stirring and beautiful requiems that master musicians have composed. Nothing else quite feeds my soul as they do. Hallelujah and Amen.

On Feb 21 we will begin a completely new Sunday school series on the central teachings of Jesus – the Beatitudes. We are very excited to be able to spend twelve weeks thinking deeply about these important teachings.

This series is designed to be led virtually and it explores Jesus’ timeless lessons through art, reflection, and discussion. The Beatitudes are full of wisdom that will enrich our lives by exploring Jesus’ vision of God’s inclusive kingdom. We will discuss how Jesus turned expectations and traditional beliefs about being blessed upside down and imagine ways to live into the promises of Jesus’ teachings.

Family pages will be provided to go along with each session to enhance the learning experience. Please join us on this journey!

K-5 Midweek Missions works to support Heart to Heart.

Midweek Missions is a way for children in kindergarten through 5th grade to put their faith into action by doing projects that support our church and community.

Our fourth unit of the program year will begin on March 3. We will do projects to support our friends at Heart to Heart food pantry. Along with our projects, we are collecting items to put together Birthday Bags that can be sent home with clients who have an upcoming birthday in their family.

To make this special, we need your help. Please help us collect items we need so everyone can have a cake on their birthday!

ITEMS WE ARE COLLECTING

Donations can be dropped off in the tubs outside the Rose Wing doors at First Community North and outside the Crane Welcome Center at First Community South by Friday, March 12.

All K-5 kids are welcome to join us at Midweek Missions. Packets of materials will be prepared with most of the items needed for our projects. Packets can be picked up inside the Rose Wing doors at First Community North between 9 am and 5 pm beginning February 25. We will meet on Wednesday evenings March 3, 10 and 17 at 6:30 pm via Zoom to build relationships and do a project together.

Click here to register so we can prepare a packet of materials for your child and send you the Zoom link.

Questions? Contact Julie Richards, Director of K-5 Ministry

Summer is around the corner, and we can’t wait to return to Camp Akita! The Camp Akita 2021 schedule is posted, and First Community Member Registration begins Saturday, February 6, and 9 am.

First Community Members have a one-week priority registration period from Saturday, February 6, at 9 am to Friday, February 12, at 4 pm. This is a shorter period than in years past, so be sure to take advantage of registering your camper prior to Open Registration, which begins Saturday, February 13, at 9am.

A camper is considered a member if a parent, guardian, or grandparent is an active member of First Community (as described in the Membership Brochure), or if the camper has completed the Block of Wood Confirmation program.

Summer 2021 will include all Camp Akita’s beloved programs: Summer Camp, Backcountry, LIFE Guard, and Family Camp.

The Camp Akita team is working with national and local health experts as well as the American Camp Association to update our procedures and programs in light of the pandemic.

Learn more about our session dates, registration, and Summer 2021 plans at CampAkita.org.

Join us on Saturday, February 6, from 11-11:30 am for a Virtual Pajama Storytime!

Feel free to sing and dance right along with your child or snuggle, sip your coffee, and watch the magic happen. Featuring members of the Early Childhood Council, this program will be a mix of stories and songs and will include a real live hedgehog sighting! This event offers a chance to give back by collecting new pajamas and books to donate to Pajama Program. Please drop off donations in the plastic bins by the entrance at North Campus.

Please join us! Watch at FCchurch.com or on our First Community Facebook page.

Join youth choir director Sally Beske on Zoom at 6:30 pm on the last Wednesday of each month.

Children show drawing or piece of art work they have made, read a poem or story they wrote, sing a song, or play an instrument.

To receive updates, reminders, and links to our Zoom gatherings, register for Youth Choirs here.

Updates on the blog this month from:

Volunteer shifts are available Monday-Friday and include jobs such as: picking up donations from local retailers, stocking the pantry shelves, assembling groceries for client pick-up, grocery distribution to clients, box truck driver, and more.

For more detailed information please visit our website or email us.

Even though we were in a pandemic, we found a way to say a prayer and “sign” our name on the booklet pages that are given along with the beautiful quilts made by Prayers and Squares. Our quilts went virtual on Facebook and eventually on Instagram. Those who said prayers could sign their name by “liking” the post or writing in the comments. In total for 2020, Prayers and Squares gave 32 quilts to people who were going through especially difficult times, whether due to illness or loss, and needed all the prayers we could give. As stated in the ministry, the purpose of the quilts is to promote prayer. “It is not about the quilt; it’s all about the prayers.”

For more information on receiving a quilt or suggesting someone receive a quilt, email Robin Hood, Congregational Care Coordinator, or call 614-488-0681 ext 235.

The First Community Prayer Chain Ministry is a group of people whose call is to pray for others while honoring the standards of respect and confidentiality. Prayers are sent to the group daily. You may remain anonymous, or choose to leave your name. You can also let us know if you would like a minister to call on you. There are several ways to send a prayer request to the Prayer Chain:

On the app. Click the “Contact” button and then “Prayer Needs” where you can fill out the form.

Fill out the online form here.

Contact Robin Hood or (614) 488-0681 ext. 235

In 2020, we had the joy of sending 16 Baby Blankies to welcome the newest editions of our FC family. These blankies are created by our very own Prayers and Squares member, Sally Wandel. If you are a member of First Community, please let us know if you or someone in your family has recently had a baby and we will send a Baby Comfort Blankie. Contact Robin Hood to update our records and receive this wonderful gift made from love.

We kicked off the first issue of Older Adult Times in December of 2020! This older adult newsletter will be released monthly with information pertaining to the older adult community including events, activities, articles, and Council updates. You can view the January edition here. If you would like to receive the Older Adult Times via email or a hard copy, please contact Robin Hood (614) 488-0681 ext. 235

For the first time in over 70 years, 2020 left us sad with not being able to have our annual Burkhart Luncheon for our Sweethearts (members who are 65+ years young). This year, however, we found a way to be together again! Although we will not yet be able to be in person for the luncheon, we will have an online program for all our Sweethearts to attend. No matter where you live, you can join us virtually! We will have more information and details in the upcoming months, but wanted to share this exciting event and also reach out to anyone who wants to be a “Sweetheart” to please contact Robin (614) 488-0681 ext. 235. You need to “opt-in” to this group to receive invitations to the luncheon, so please let us know if you’d like one! Hope to “see” you there!

The Burkhart Center has produced its own newsletter which includes:

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You can read the publication by clicking the button below.