By Glen Miles,
Senior Minister
Whenever I find myself becoming easily irritated or frustrated, I know I have pushed God aside. Recently, I was sitting in my car behind another car at a red light. The light changed to green. The car in front didn’t move. I did a gentle, “beep, beep,” on my horn. No movement. I honked again. This time, I held the horn down longer. The car sat there. The traffic in the lane next to me was moving too quickly for me to maneuver around. So, I held the horn down for several seconds. The car suddenly lurched forward. The driver appeared to be surprised the light had turned green.
I fumed for several minutes over this minor delay. When I arrived at my destination, I took a few moments to calm down. My heart rate was up. My irritation level was over the top. I took three deep breaths and then, quite suddenly and with absolute surprise, I said out loud, “I’m sorry.” A woman in the same area where I was standing looked at me and asked, “Are you speaking to me?” “No, no,” I stammered, “I think it was a prayer.”
Looking back, I know it was a prayer. I knew I needed to ask for forgiveness. The man or woman sitting in front of me at the red light was probably on their phone and not paying attention, but my little explosion of anger was not justified. There are a dozen reasons (or more really) for what was happening. Maybe the driver just got bad news or wasn't feeling well.
Me? I needed to remind myself of God's presence. I needed a moment to heed my frustration, to pay attention to my anger, and to ask what was going on in my soul. My simple two-word prayer helped me realize all too often my impatience is a sign I’ve pushed God aside.
Nadia Bolz-Weber once wrote, “Whenever people annoy me beyond reason, I can guarantee it’s because they’re demonstrating something, I’d rather not see in myself.” She’s right. If I can blame you for the way I am feeling, I’ll feel better, right? No.
I’m pretty sure that is why the spirit encouraged me to utter that little prayer, “I’m sorry.” When I recognized my need for forgiveness, suddenly there was room for God.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me,” wrote the psalmist 500 years ago. His words are a reminder that even in our weakness, our failure, and our lack of patience, God is always finding a way to create something new within us.
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By Jodi Patton,
Governing Board Chair
The Governing Board is pleased to announce our new
firstnews
article, “First Community Governing Board: 2020 Vision.” We plan to publish articles in the church newsletter periodically throughout this year as we have news to share. With this regular communication plan, we hope to open a lens into the business of the Governing Board and share pertinent information with those for whom we represent, the members of our congregation. It is our hope this contact with First Community will allow you to be more informed.
In order to offer Governing Board more visibility and improve our contact with our congregation, we will wear our Governing Board name badges at worship services and other church events so we can be easily identified. Please introduce yourselves to us so we may get to know you on a first-name basis.
In 2020, the Governing Board will continue to provide best practices in the way of governance oversight, tending to work like fiscal responsibility, routine and standard review of standing committees, councils, and boards, and oversight of our ministries and programs.
In our visioning for this year and beyond, the Governing Board, along with staff, council, board chairs, and others from our congregation, will join efforts in a strategic planning process to define the path forward for our church. We have engaged the help of strategic planning consultant, Reverend Sarai Rice with Congregational Consulting Group, to help launch this next essential step. Reverend Rice will be with us in March to help discern the work to which God is calling us. Look for more to come on this.
Thank you for the support of your leadership team!
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This month, we lift up a heartfelt thank you to Jamie Greene for his exceptional leadership and unwavering devotion to First Community as our 2019 Governing Board Chair.
Our gratitude also goes to those whose Governing Board terms have come to an end; Bill Mead, Past Chair, and for members Jack Burtch, Barb Burgie Satterfield, Bob Stilman, and Mike Zook.
In 2020, the Governing Board welcomes Cydney Philbin to serve as Vice Chair, and new members Joe Bull, Ryan Nicoll, Molly Hagkull, Steve Mushrush, and Dick Wood, Jr.
Thank you for your service to our church.
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2020 Governing Board Members
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2020 Annual Meeting - First Community Church
The nominating process begins early fall with nominations from the congregation and results in the slates of candidates for the Governing Board, Board of ...
Read more
fcchurch.com
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By Paul Anderson,
First Community Foundation Director
The Foundation Board wishes to thank these three retiring Board members; Rose Konrath, Jim Hutchins, and Bob Dana. All served for 2 six-year terms and were active members of the Board.
Officers for the upcoming year are:
- Karl Klamar- Chair
- Ralph Griffith- Vice Chair
- Lynne Ayres -Secretary
- Katherine Tucker - Treasurer
The Foundation is also adding new board members Cheryl Van Deusen and Greg DuPont.
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On a Mission! - First Community Church
Blog launched for monthly news from the various small groups within Missions.
Read more
fcchurch.com
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The
On a Mission!
blog will be a monthly update containing all Mission-related news and announcements, beginning February 1.
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Deep Griha BBQ – March 13
Come help us celebrate Deep Griha at our annual dinner on Friday, March 13, from 6-8 pm at First Community North. Our speaker this year is Doug Kridler, the President & CEO of the Columbus Foundation. Dinner will be provided by City Barbecue with some additional vegetarian dishes and homemade desserts. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for children. Registration opens Sunday, February 16, after worship at Sunday tables or
here.
Join the Warm Welcome Knitting Group!
The Warm Welcome Knitting Group creates hats, scarves, and mittens that are distributed through several agencies, including those serving refugees and our own Heart to Heart food pantry. The group meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 1-3 pm in the Guild Room at First Community South location. If you’re interested in joining the group,
click here
for more info.
Share and Learn Garden Receives Grant
Congratulations are in order for the volunteers diligently maintaining the gardens on the Mary Evans playground! The Share and Learn Gardens at First Community North have been awarded a grant by the Columbus Foundation’s fund for The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Community Garden Academy. The award includes $1000 cash and in-kind donations of garden soil, mulch, humus, and manure.
Join Mat Makers
Mat Makers created and distributed 116 mats in 2019 to both homeless individuals and those with homes but no beds or blankets on which to sleep. Please join our gun group on the first and third Tuesday of every month in the Guild Room at First Community South. We have the supplies and can teach you the basic skills necessary for the job.
Click here
to learn more.
Save the Date – Back Bay Mission Trip
Our next trip to the Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi takes place October 4-10. Visit FCchurch.com/back-bay-mission for trip details and information on upcoming pre-trip meetings.
Heart to Heart News
Check out the two huge grand prize experiences to be raffled off at the Hunger Hoedown for Heart to Heart February 7. You do not need to be present to win these two ultimate date night packages. More information and a link to purchase raffle entries
here
.
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Dust Clouds from the Archives
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Someone You May Have Known: Helen Pickett
by Jackie Cherry,
Church Historian
You knew Helen if you were one of the 1,625 couples for whom she served as wedding coordinator! That is quite a record, and this was during a period when there were often three weddings every Saturday at First Community and frequently receptions as well. She was like the “fairy godmother,” looking after every detail to be sure the ceremony was a dream for each couple.
Helen’s association with our church dated back to 1926 when she became a member at the very first worship service held at 1320 Cambridge Blvd. What a unique memory it was for her to be welcomed by Rev. Oliver Weist. In 1945, she became staff secretary and before long was juggling jobs while serving as wedding coordinator, managing all details of First Community books, and matching events with rooms as the scheduling secretary. She told tales of days spent arranging rooms for group meetings with her Community Books ledger in one hand and a wedding gown in the other.
I recall one visit with her at First Community Village when she regaled me with tales of wedding mishaps averted, like the time the Highway Patrol intervened to rescue a wedding dress sent to Cambridge, Ohio, instead of Cambridge Boulevard. Another crisis was prevented when Helen “just happened” to have a spare wedding cake on hand when an uncle fell on the cake he was carrying into the reception. Another bride’s gown became soaked as she entered the church during a rainstorm, but Helen used an electric heater to dry it out without delaying the ceremony. Once the mother of the bride broke the heel of her shoe just before she was to walk down the aisle. Helen, always prepared for any crisis, pulled out her hammer and nails to come to the rescue. She also related stories of brides and sometimes other members of wedding parties who fainted during the ceremony. I remember telling Helen she had enough material to write a book. My regret now is I didn’t think at the time to offer to help her do just that.
(To be continued...)
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A complete list of Christmas Memorials can be found at link below.
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Members of the Youth Vocal Ensemble gather at North at a new time, 5-5:30 pm, immediately following Crossroads.
Watch for them in worship at the 5:30 pm service on February 2.
For information about any of our youth choirs for kindergarten through high school, contact
Sally Beske.
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Congratulations 2020
Third-grade Bible Recipients!
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By Susan Langner,
Minister to Youth
You are invited to join the First Community youth on February 18 for the annual Pasta Dinner and Silent Auction!
Join us at First Community North in Grace Hall from 5:30 - 7:30 pm, or grab a carry-out order from 5-7 pm. All proceeds support our Mexico Mission Trip.
Our group will journey to Tecate, Mexico, this March for the 24th consecutive year. We look forward to serving with Amor Ministries in building homes and relationships with the people of beautiful Tecate!
This year's dinner will also feature a silent auction! Many generous donors have supported this effort. Just some of the many items include condos in Montana and at Lake Erie, dinner with Glen and Julie Miles, a two-month membership to Wendy's Gymnastics, professional sports tickets, and an evening of duck pin bowling with our female clergy. Bidding for the auction items will be open during all services on February 9 and 16 and will remain open until 7:15 pm the night of the Pasta Dinner. Winners do not have to be present to win.
Join us for a wonderful evening and support this life-changing mission experience for our First Community youth!
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Parent Fellowship
5-Week Book Discussion
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Hosted by Early Childhood and K-5 Ministries
Unselfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World
This series will be held each week from Sunday, February 9 - Sunday, March 8, at 10 am in room 211 at our North location.
Participants will purchase the book independently and read 2-3 chapters each week leading up to the discussion.
In
Unselfie, Dr. Michele Borba Ed. D. shares her 9-step process developed from years of research about how to teach empathy and the long-term affect it has on children’s personal and academic success. Timely parenting issues are discussed, along with activities and ideas for supporting the growth of empathy in kids of all ages.
Childcare is available in the Rose Wing for children in Pre-K. Children in kindergarten through grade 5 are invited to bring a quiet activity to room 209 where they will be supervised by a member of the K-5 staff.
Please express your interest by clicking the link below, and indicate the ages of your children in the "Comments" section so that we may plan for adequate staffing.
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Parent Fellowship Group and Book Discussion
Join us at First Community North for a new fellowship group hosted by the K-12 and Early Childhood Ministries for parents and caregivers of children of all ages. Each week, for five-weeks, we will read an discuss: Unselfie: Why Empathetic Kids...
Read more
www.signupgenius.com
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ElderWisdom
February book selection:
Just Sit: A Meditation Guidebook for People Who Know They Should but Don't
By Sukey Novogratz and Elizabeth Novogratz
Thursday, February 27, 1 pm
First Community South, Library
“Mindfulness is a state of noticing, which means not worrying about the future or the past” - Novogratz
For our February gathering, we welcome Rev. David Hett to join us for our book discussion and to lead us in a short meditation practice in light of the wisdom in this clear and practical, lightheartedly illustrated book.
ElderWisdom participants will have the opportunity to share insights and ask questions about the benefits and trials of beginning or deepening the practice of meditation in their own lives.
ElderWisdom is a discussion group that meets to explore books and topics that focus on the spiritual aspects of aging.
Join us! All ages are welcome. It is not essential to have read the book prior to the gathering.
Contact Lorelei Lanier Lotozo at (614) 209-7125 or
Missy Obergefell, Director of Older Adult Ministry, with questions or to add your name to our email list.
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Quest Singles
If you are a single who enjoys meeting new people, join us for a dinner and/or book discussion. Most of us are in our sixties and up, but we welcome all ages. If you would like to be on our e-mail list, contact
Nancy Dunn
or call (614) 771-4869 for more detail about current plans.
If you have an idea for a fun activity, let Nancy know.
Thursday, February 6
6:30 pm
Dinner at Red Hook Grill
1223 Goodale Blvd.
Grandview
Sunday, February 16
5:30 pm
Book Discussion
To Kill A Mockingbird
by Harper Lee
MCL Cafeteria at Kingsdale
Thursday, February 20
6:30 pm
Dinner at Bonefish Grill
5712 Frantz Rd.
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You will LOVE These Upcoming Sales!
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By Rebecca Wolfe,
Director of the Trading Post
I don’t like to use the word LOVE loosely, even in this month of hearts and Valentines, but everyone definitely
LIKES February at the Trading Post because we have some of our best sales.
We start out with an orange and white tag sale of all fall and winter clothing at 50% off from February 10-15. Valentine goodies will also be on sale that week for 50% off.
We follow up on February 17-22 with our hugely popular BAG SALE. We provide the bag and for $6, you cram in all you can from our fall/winter selections as well as those from our Bargain Racks.
This is a month you won’t want to miss at the Trading Post.
We are open Monday-Saturday, 10 am-4 pm. and we’d LOVE to have you stop in to see us.
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Wednesday Evening Bible Study with Jim Long
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Rev. Jim Long will begin a ten-week study,
Great Texts for a Healthy Spirituality,
on February 12 from 7-8:15 pm in Room 101 at First Community North. There will be a discussion of scriptures that have a central place in Christian spirituality. Please join us. No pre-registration required.
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By Doug Covell,
Task Force Member
Presented by the Gun Violence Prevention and Safety Task Force of First Community
February 3, 7-9 pm
First Community North, 3777 Dublin Rd.
Ted Celeste, task force member, former Ohio Representative, and founder and director of Next Generation, a project of the National Institute for Civil Discourse, will moderate the presentations and following discussion.
Presentations/Presenters:
- Second Amendment: What it means - Daniel P. Tokaji, Ebersold Professor of Constitutional Law, The Ohio State University, Moritz College of Law
- Ohio Gun Laws: Becoming More Protective of Gun Rights - Melanie Tobias, Deputy Chief of Staff-Prosecution, Office of Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein
- Ohio Home Rule: Critical for Citizen Engagement in Gun Legislation - Ben Kessler, Mayor of Bexley
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The Divine is in the Details
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By Susan Langner,
Minister to Youth
With our annual Mexico Mission Trip just weeks away, our youth team is feverishly pulling together the logistics to bring 60 people across the border. This will be First Community’s 24
th
consecutive year serving with Amor Ministries in building homes for families in Tecate, Mexico.
As a first timer, I am so looking forward to experiencing the wonder of the trip – building relationships, the fellowship around the campfire, and the sense of accomplishment that comes in constructing a new home. Mission trip veterans have said it’s nothing short of life changing. But as a first-time trip leader, I admit I’m currently overwhelmed by the details.
The expression, “The devil is in the details,” came to mind the other day as the final registrations rolled in and our team became knee-deep in checklists. I strongly dislike that expression, to be honest. After all, when I look at the details in the natural world, I see
God’s
work. For example, to look at the veins in a leaf is to see the miraculous design that allows a plant to take in water and thrive. Details in the face of a child allow us to understand their emotions before they can even speak. Even the stories of how best friends come to know each other are filled with details that speak to the work of the Holy Spirit. I propose we adopt a new expression: “The Divine is in the details.”
In these final weeks before our trip, as tedious as the planning becomes, I will do my best to see this process as something sacred. Each trip participant will bring unique gifts that contribute to the whole of our group. Everyone who supports our work through donations and prayer offers distinctive value to our mission. All of these details will culminate in a week that will transform the lives of our First Community participants, and, prayerfully, the lives of Tecate families.
Let us look for the Divine in the details of our daily lives, too. Amidst otherwise stressful tasks, we might just see God at work.
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By Ann Eliot
“Ultimately the bond of all companionship, whether in marriage or in friendship, is conversation.” –
Oscar Wilde
The Women’s Guild embodies companionship, friendship, and conversation. We are women who:
- Have known each other for ages.
- Met at an event.
- Share an interest in serving, friendship, and spirituality.
- Crave a connection with others.
Everything listed above begins with a conversation. We invite all women to join in our conversations. Below are upcoming events that will spark conversations between old friends, new members, and anyone that is looking for a connection.
Guild Sunday is February 23
. Guild members will attend all services to speak about how the Women’s Guild has been so important in their lives. Please stop by the guild table after services to speak to a Guild member about joining.
Spring Event – Saturday, April 4
“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” is the theme of the Annual Spring Event. This year, the event is held at Scioto Country Club, the gathering will feature a brunch, entertainment from Rachel Sepulveda (who will perform songs form Audrey Hepburn’s movies and
The Great American Songbook
and a raffle of a cross necklace from Tiffany’s). Most importantly, this is a chance for you to dress the part and have a ball with old friends and new.
Tickets will go on sale soon. This event is open to all women in the church. Many Guild members invite family members to attend as well; it is not uncommon to see three generations sitting at one table.
Membership:
If you are interested in joining the Women’s Guild, please contact Nancy Withers, Membership Chair, at (614) 571-4469, or
email
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This Starr Shines Brighter
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Some say, “Today’s MIRABAI STARR shines brighter!” We say, “Today, MIRABAI STARR makes us shine brighter!”
Reading Mirabai’s books moves us. Listening to her podcasts encourages us. And seeing Mirabai on video is enlightening.
But experiencing Mirabai in person awakens us.
Teacher of interspirituality, translator of the mystics from Christianity and all traditions, Mirabai Starr is The Burkhart Center’s 2020 Spiritual Searcher.
The event will be held the weekend of March 6 – 8 at First Community North.
In her work, Mirabai opens up the deep feminine aspect of God for all genders, vital for relationships, spiritual growth, and connection with the Earth.
Mirabai Starr teaching in Burkhart Chapel in 2015
- Friday Teaching: “The Divine Feminine Across the Spiritual Traditions” 7 – 8: 30 pm (followed by reception/book signing)
- Saturday and Sunday Workshops: “Living the Fierce and Tender Wisdom of the Divine Feminine” (Saturday 10 am – 4 pm, Sunday (8:30 – 10 am)
- Sunday Contemplative Experience (Free and open to all): “Celebrating the Divine Feminine in Ritual & Practice” 10:30 – 11:30 am
For registration and fees, click this
link
.
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Mirabai Starr signing a book for Katy Malhame at the 2015 Spiritual Searcher Weekend
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Study Mirabai Starr’s Work
On Sunday or Tuesday Mornings
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The Burkhart Center is providing two opportunities to study Mirabai Starr’s newest book,
Wild Mercy: Living the Fierce and Tender Wisdom of the Women Mystics,
prior to her 2020 Spiritual Searcher
weekend here Friday, March 6 – Sunday, March 8.
SUNDAYS, FEBRUARY 2 – MARCH 1
Sunday Morning Seminar: 8:30 – 9:45 am, Wicker Room, First Community South
Facilitators: Vickie Murphy and Rose Konrath, Burkhart Center members and facilitators of Mirabai’s translation of Christian mystic Julian of Norwich’s work, lead meditations, reflection, and discussion of
Wild Mercy.
TUESDAYS, FEBRUARY 4 – MARCH 3
Tuesdays at Ten, 10 – 11:30 am, Wicker Room, First Community South
Facilitator: Gail Evans, Adult Learning Council facilitator of “Portals of Wonder” series, and frequent Film Group facilitator, leads the discussions of Mirabai’s
Wild Mercy.
With this book’s focus on the female mystics of all traditions, Mirabai Starr brings the wisdom of the divine feminine to all genders. The feminine aspect of God is vital for men and women in establishing intimate relationship, spiritual growth, and connection with the Earth.
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Mirabai Starr presenting during her 2015 Spiritual Searcher Weekend.
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Friday, February 14
Gathering and pizza at 6 pm
($5 suggested donation)
Movie begins at 6:30 pm
Wicker Room, First Community South
Nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Paul Newman, this 1981 film brings issues of ethics, journalistic integrity, and legal definitions of defamation.
RSVP about film and whether ordering pizza by emailing
Bob
or calling (614) 486-0953 by Thursday, February 13.
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February Much Matters Book Group Discusses
Why Good People are Divided by
Politics and Religion
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Much Matters Book Group
The Righteous Mind
by Jonathan Haidt
Thursday, February 20
6 – 8 pm
First Community South Library
Drawing on his twenty-five years of groundbreaking research on moral psychology, Haidt shows how moral judgments arise not from reason but from gut feelings. He shows why liberals, conservatives, and libertarians have such different intuitions about right and wrong, and he shows why each side is actually right about many of its central concerns.
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Much Matters January discussion of Rachel Held Evans’
Searching for Sunday.
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February Progressing Spirit Group
Re-examines Christian Language
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Saturday, February 15
9:30 am – Noon
Guild Room, First Community South
This Burkhart Center group open to all adults provides stimulating discussions about Progressive Christianity, ideas of God and seeking the Divine, facilitated by Rev. David Hett. In February, we continue to hear from Marcus Borg on the theme “Speaking Christian: Re-Claiming Christian Language” from the video of his 2011 Spiritual Searcher
weekend (pictured left with Sarah Kientz in 2011 when Sarah was coordinator of high school ministry). We also review the current articles from new voices in emerging spirituality writing from The Progressing Spirit website. Participants are encouraged to subscribe to
www.progressingspirit.com
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Christianity: Perspectives & Insights
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Sundays at 4 – 5:30 pm
First Community North Narthex, Room 101
“Christian Myth-Busters: Moving Beyond Biblical Literalism”
This class, during the Crossroads Youth program and preceding the 5:30 pm Worship Service, is free and open to all adults. This biblical study focuses primarily on the work of past Spiritual Searcher,
Bishop John Shelby Spong, and other biblical scholars.
In February, we will explore the literary connections
Bishop Spong makes
between Moses and Jesus, focusing on Matthew’s Gospel, which opens the recognition of how this Gospel utilizes the Jewish story of Moses to explain Jesus. We’ll also look at that notorious character, Judas Iscariot. Using DVDs of Spong’s many lectures, with references to several of his many books, this class meets weekly. Facilitated by Paul Kramer.
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More Burkhart Center Weekly Events
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Tai Chi for Balance
Tuesdays, 9:00 – 9:45 am
Brownlee Hall, First Community South
Facilitators:
Sally Kiska and Diane Sturges
Forty-five minutes of easy, relaxed moves that will strengthen stability, balance, agility, and health, as well as, provide a calming meditative experience during these stressful times. Beginning and experienced students are all welcome to participate. The instructors are Sally Kriska and Diane Sturges, both certified in Tai Chi for Balance, levels 1, 2, and 3, Guang Ping Yang style. There is no fee and registration occurs at the class. Questions, contact
Sally Kriska
or
Diane Sturges
Wednesday Morning Fellowship
Wednesdays, 7 – 8 am
Brownlee Hall, First Community South
Both men and women enjoy the fellowship and weekly presentations and discussion of leading-edge topics. Ends promptly at 8 am. Open to the public. Facilitated by
Lee Vescelius
.
Women Living the Questions
Tuning Into Inner Guidance
Wednesdays, 9:30 – 11:30 am
Wicker Room, First Community South
The weekly discussion group focuses on “Tuning Into the Inner Guidance of the Body.” We'll use the book
In Touch
by John Predergast, along with related videos. New members are always welcome. For questions, contact
Linda Baldeck
, (614) 459-0722.
The Contemplative Way
Thursdays, 11:45 am – 1 pm
Wicker Room, First Community South
An opportunity for a lunchtime meditation practice. Sacred reading and discussion of Cynthia Bourgeault’s book,
The Heart of Centering Prayer,
followed by a 30-minute silent meditation starting around 12:15 pm each week. Facilitated by spiritual directors and group participants.
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First Community Church | (614) 488-0681 | FCchurch.com
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