05.25.2020
First Things First!
A weekly E-newsletter from
The First Church in Oberlin, United Church of Christ
An open and affirming, Just Peace, Green Justice, Global Mission Congregation

No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here!



The Church office will be closed on Monday, May 25th in observance of Memorial Day.
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Worship Resources
Sunday, May 31st @ 10am
Sunday morning worship will begin at 10am. The stream will start a few minutes early so you can prepare for worship. Just click on the Facebook page link below and make sure you can see the "Videos" section of the page.
Children's Church and Faith Formation Resources:

This week's Children's Church resource talks about the beginning of the Book of Acts. We are invited to stop staring at the clouds and start figuring out what comes next!

The Faith Formation resource this week focuses on the Beatitudes.  “Beatitude” is a word that means “Blessedness.” In the Beatitudes, Jesus teaches us about ways to be happy and blessed. But some of them are the opposite of the ways we normally think happiness works! You'll find things to read, watch, listen to, do, and ways to pray with the Beatitudes in mind. Our prayer practice involves creating a faith-based vision board.

We hope you find some time this week to spend exploring these resources!
Strengthen the Church Offering

The Strengthen the Church offering supports the expansion of ministry and growth of UCC local congregations. Your support of this offering will help the UCC fulfill on its commitment to creating a just world for all by investing in new ministries and practices that meet the emerging needs of local communities.
As God calls our congregations to be the church in new ways, your generosity will plant new churches, awaken new ideas in existing churches and develop the spiritual life in our youth and young adults.

Our congregation will receive the STC offering on Pentecost Sunday, May 31st, 2020.

From the Outreach and Service Committee

To donate, click on the DONATE ONLINE button to the left, or scan the QR CODE. You can designate the funds specifically for this offering.
Announcements and Events
Drop-In Time with Rev. David T. Hill

Drop-In time to connect with the Pastor and others 3 - 4pm on Wednesdays beginning May 27. Click on the image to connect via Zoom.

Come for the whole time or just a part of it. This is a weekly opportunity to check in with the Pastor and others while we continue to practice physical distancing.
Consider highlighting products or services, sales or promotions, personal bios, and more. Use images that complement your message, and link your images to supporting resources.
Zoom 5.0 is live!

Beginning May 30th, 2020, Zoom will be enabling  GCM encryption   across the entire Zoom platform, providing increased protection for meeting data. 

Please   update   to Zoom 5.0 before May 30. After this date, all Zoom clients on older versions will receive a forced update when trying to join meetings as GCM encryption will be fully enabled across the Zoom platform.
Heartland Conference - Announcement regarding Summer Camp
Dear Campers, Families, Volunteers and staff members,

We hope this letter finds you safe and well in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

As you may know the Heartland Conference Outdoor Ministry team and Conference Board of Directors have been monitoring the current COVID 19 situation closely, exploring possible solutions, and praying for discernment on how to best provide you with Summer Camp 2020.

At this time, we would like to share with you the decision to not hold on-site summer resident camp at Templed Hills, but instead offer Virtual Summer Camp 2020 2.0 (online and by mail).

WORLD PREMIERE DEBUT - "TOGETHER WE'RE STRONG"
An original song,
written for NYE

We may not be able to gather in person this year, but we know without a doubt that God's love for us remains and we are stronger than we have ever been.

This original song, written for NYE, is an uplifting symbol of unity in these extraordinary times. In it, we are reminded:  we have wisdom, purpose, and youth . We are here for a time such as this.

This amazing video features the faces of youth and young adults who were volunteering and helping to plan  NYE2020,  as well as some of the adult volunteers and staff from Justice and Local Church Ministries. You might even see another face or two that you recognize!

Click on the image above to watch and listen to the video.
Youth Hangout
Friday, June 5 at 7pm
via ZOOM
Call the office at (440) 775-1711 or Jen's cell at (440) 370-2476 and we'll make sure you get the link!  (Normally, we'd post the link publicly, but since kids are involved, please call to reserve your invitation.) 

Hope to "distantly socialize" with you soon!
Story Time
with Jen Bertoni
Wednesday, May 27th
at noon via ZOOM

Story Time is held every other Wednesday at noon. Gather your kids (adults also welcome) and join the adventure!

Call the office at (440) 775-1711 or Jen's cell at (440) 370-2476 for the Zoom ID.
Book Group
Book Group is now meeting via Zoom! We are currently sharing stories from current books we are reading individually. All are welcome to join in the conversation. The next get together is Tuesday, May 26th at 4pm. Grab your coffee, iced tea, or beverage of choice - and computer (or other mobile device) - click - link in - and join us!
Please Note...

Diana will be out of the office, Wednesday, June 3 through Friday, June 6. The office will be monitored by David and Jen throughout the day, however, it will not be staffed with a volunteer.

If you have any Zoom meetings that you need scheduled or any church business that you need taken care of between June 1st and June 10th, please call the office before June 1st. Thank you.
Additional Links and Information
Stay in touch with First Church!
The church building remains locked. Office hours are M-F, 9am-noon and 1pm-4pm. We ask your cooperation in calling the office prior to entering the building. Thank you for understanding.
If you are searching for ways to become more fully engaged in the life of the church, please contact Rev. David T. Hill by calling the church office at (440) 775-1711 or sending an email the church office.
Submission information: Deadline for articles and information is Fridays at 10am. Thank you.