by Rev. Glen Miles, Senior Minister

In his book The Infinite Game, Simon Sinek declares, “We can’t choose the game. We can’t choose the rules. We can only choose how we play.”¹ The game we are playing is infinite. It has no end. There are finite games, of course. The Chiefs will play the Eagles in the Super Bowl to determine the National Football League champion. Football games are finite. There are clear rules, referees to enforce the rules, known players, different uniforms for each team, boundaries marked on the field of play, and more. In finite games, there are winners and losers. 

The infinite game is much different. There are known and unknown players, rules that change and evolve, and players are free to stay within conventional practice or choose to break from convention and try something new. Sinek, inspired by the work of philosopher James Carse declares, “Infinite games have infinite time horizons. And because there is no finish line, no practical end, there is no such thing as ‘winning’ an infinite game.”²

Oliver Wiest, the quietly brilliant, multi-talented pastor here at First Community from 1915-1931, was the one who moved this congregation from a quiet little neighborhood church to become a source of inspiration and hope for the greater Columbus area. In 1943 he returned to 1320 Cambridge Blvd and declared during a guest preaching appearance, “Looking back, it all looks easy now, but then we walked by faith, not by sight.”³ He is describing what Sinek calls the infinite game. His was a vision that boldly dared to dream of the future. 

I’m certain he was inspired by Rev. M. H. Lichliter, a guest preacher during Wiest’s tenure as pastor, who described First Community as “The Church of the Infinite Quest.” I share that phrase with every new member group I lead to define who we are. We recognize we are not trying to win a finite game; we are here because we are inspired to bring a word of hope to a world filled with fear. We believe a message grounded in love can lead toward creating a community where everyone one of us wakes up excited about the day ahead and the possibility of bringing hope to our area of influence. 

Sinek writes, “Great leaders…are the ones who know that it is not about the next quarter, or the next election; it is about the next generation.”⁴ This idea is part of the DNA of the place we call First Community. Our leadership, lay and clergy, have always looked to the future. 

Let me be clear: living and leading this way takes work. Too often, we are quickly drawn into games creating winners and losers, the ins and outs. I have recognized I am least effective when I get caught up in winning and losing. Looking back over my career, I can see times when my leadership faltered because I was playing a silly game. The same is true for many who lead churches. Sinek clarifies our task: “To ask, “What’s best for me” is finite thinking. To ask, “What’s best for us” is infinite thinking.” 

What is best for us? That is an open-ended question, and we have seen what happens here at First Community when we dare to ask this question and work together as a team to contribute to something bigger than ourselves. 

2022 was a fantastic year, filled with many new and creative ministry ideas and opportunities. I am very proud of our team and the work they put in last year. 

Have there been bumps and bruises, and miscues, as well? Yes. Some of them were painful and filled with grief. I’ve read through the Bible a few times, though, and I’ve noticed that no one gets through life without pain, sorrow, and grief. There are no Get Out of Pain-Free cards in the infinite game. 

We are never promised a Get Out of Pain-Free card, but we are promised that God will be with us in every moment, every day, and every generation. God will walk with us in the beautiful moments and the difficult ones. 

Trusting in that promise, and I do, I believe we are as ready for the future as we have ever been in this church. The future is here, and the next generation needs us to bring this vision to life.

(2023 Annual Meeting Senior Minister address edited for print.)

^{1 Sinek, The Infinite Game, back cover}

^{2 Ibid., p. 4}

^{3 Jackie Cherry, Reflections On Our Heritage: A History of First Community Church , p. 9}

^{4 Ibid., p. xiii} 

Rev. Sarah Kientz will preach this Sunday, February 5.

Siblings in Christ

Mark 3:31 – 35

Did someone say mac and cheese? Enjoy the ultimate comfort food tonight at The Gathering in Grace Hall, FC North. A snack supper will be served at 5:30 pm followed by a brief worship service at 5:45 pm. Children in grades K-8 will participate in choir rehearsals and Midweek Missions at 6 pm while adults will gather for the Bible Study series, Speaking Christian, led by Rev. Glen Miles. See you tonight! All are welcome!

by Molly Hagkull, Governing Board Chair

Happy New Year! 

It might seem a few weeks late to offer that greeting, but in my kindergarten and first-grade classroom, we’ve spent the week learning about the traditions of the Lunar New Year being celebrated around the world during this time. And at our annual meeting on January 28th, we welcomed a new group of leaders to begin their new year of service on our Governing Board and Board of Deacons. 

Wednesday, the 26th, was the final meeting with the 2022 Governing Board. We spent time looking both back and forward as we considered how events and accomplishments of 2022 can inform our planning and dreaming in 2023. With much to celebrate, we recognized the following: 

• the faithful service of outgoing members, Joe Bull, Steve Mushrush, Ryan Nicoll, and Dick Wood, Jr., outgoing Past Chair, Cydney Philbin, and outgoing chair, Alice Finley.  
• the heroic work of our business office, crafting a balanced 2023 budget for us to approve while they persevere through the annual audit. Thank you to our Director of Operations, Seth Stearns, and our controller, Liz Compton. 
• the exciting ministry opportunities provided to us by our creative, passionate lay and staff leaders. 

As you scroll through this newsletter, notice the many ways God is working in our church community. It is an exciting time to lead our board as chair. If we haven’t met before, I sing in the Chancel Choir at North most Sundays- please introduce yourself. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us all! 

With joy, Molly Hagkull  

On Saturday, January 28, during the First Community Annual Meeting, Ginny Barney, Chair of the New Horizons Capital Campaign Steering Committee, kicked off the public phase of this work, noting that we have already raised close to $2 million in pledges and gifts toward our $4.5 million goal. This effort will allow us to prepare for the new horizon before us, strengthen our overall ministries, and invite all of us to unite as a community of faith. 

This week you will receive a letter and a pledge card from steering committee members Bill Mead and Nancy Rummel detailing all of the capital improvements that have been made at First Community South, First Community North, and Camp Akita. In their letter, Bill and Nancy invited us to "please prayerfully and generously give so that we can bring to completion the great work that so many of you have already begun."

This is an exciting time in the life of our church. We look forward to seeing this work completed. If you prefer to participate online, you can make your pledge to this important campaign here. 

by Seth Stearns, Exec. Director of Operations



I am often asked how First Community Church and First Community Foundation work together.

The church and the Foundation are separate non-profit, tax exempt 501(c)3 organizations. They work in partnership to accomplish the parallel purposes through different stewardship approaches. 

The church operates on an annual budget and therefore relies on immediate and ongoing pledges to support its operating budget. 

The Foundation supports the church through grants that are awarded in the areas of Missions, Camp Akita, Worship & Arts, Education Support, and Facility Improvements & Maintenance. Donations are made to the Foundation and are invested in one or more of the Foundation funds. A percentage of the assets are used to support grants to assist the church.

Now you know!

For more information click here.

Calling all families with Pre-K children! There is a new time and location for our annual Pajama Story Time. Join us on Wednesday, February 8, during The Gathering. Bring your child at 5:30 pm for a light dinner together in Grace Hall. After a short worship service, stories will be read to children from 6-7 pm in Room 128. Wear your pajamas and bring a blanket for the floor. If you can’t join us for dinner, please feel free to join in at 6 pm.  

Please join us at our third Parent’s Night Out. Gather with other First Community parents to unwind and build community on Saturday, February 11 at 7:30 pm at Somewhere in Particular Brewery, 5055 Dierker Rd. 43220. Mollie and Mike Zook are this year’s Parent’s Night Out leaders. Look for Mollie and Mike as well as First Community staff when you arrive.  

Click here if you are interested in attending. We will add your name to a list. Your email will be used to send reminders about these events. 

All First Community parents and caregivers with kids from birth to 12th grade are invited to join us for Parent’s Night Out every other month throughout the school year. These will be casual, “come as you are” events. Partners can alternate attending if getting a babysitter is hard for your family, and it is fine to come when your schedule allows. If you only have 15 minutes to swing by… no worries. We can’t wait to see you.  

Mark your calendars for this year’s events. We will let you know where we will meet in April closer to the date of the gathering.  

Parent’s Night Out 2023 dates and times:

• Saturday, February 11 7:30 at Somewhere in Particular Brewery 
• Friday, April 21 – 7:30 pm

The Ash Wednesday Taizé -style service will be held on Wednesday, February 22 as part of The Gathering. Dinner begins at 5:30 pm in the Narthex at FC North followed by the Ash Wednesday service at 6 pm in Grace Hall, North. This service of meditative music, readings, and silence offers participants the opportunity to quiet their minds and hearts as we enter into the season of Lent.

As I sit here on a snowy Sunday afternoon, it seems like the perfect time for something warm and hearty to "gird our loins" against the cold, wintery weather outside. Well, the Women's Guild has just the place to buy delicious, homemade soups and casseroles of all kinds! On February 26th, after the 9 am and 11 am Worship Services, Guild Group A will sell an assortment of these delectable goodies made and contributed by Guild members from all the different groups. The sale will be held in the Rose Wing at North, so wind your way past the kitchen toward the Children's Education Wing after worship. All profits go to FC Missions, and any unsold items will be donated to our Heart-to-Heart Food Pantry.

Guild Group D is on the ball and is already prepared for the sale! On Wednesday, January 11th, Guild D members Kie Seiple, Merci Katz, Amy Wentz, Sue Secord, Deb Steidle, and Beth Ryan met at the kitchen of the Scioto Boat Club to prepare a delicious entree for the upcoming Soup and Casserole Sale. 

Beth Ryan noted, "We prepared a pasta dish with spaghetti, alfredo sauce, marinara sauce, ground beef, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Several of our casseroles are vegetarian-friendly. All look delicious! Many hands made for light work. We cranked out 17 assorted casseroles that are residing in Merci's deep freezer until their debut at the Sale being held on February 26th."

So, take advantage of the opportunity to treat your family to homemade meals without the mess and effort of preparing them yourself! See you at the sale!

The Women's Guild welcomes all women, so if you are interested in learning more or joining a Guild Group, don't hesitate to contact Nancy Withers at nancyfly70@gmail.com or (614) 571-4469.

• The On a Mission! monthly newsletter will publish next week. The newsletter link will be available in the February 8 Stay Connected email.

Anti-Racism Church Coalition 

We recently joined an anti-racism church coalition made up of local and diverse congregations that gather in fellowship together and speak to our various backgrounds and issues around race. This group meets to discuss current events and also engages in anti-racist studies. The next meeting of this coalition is on Saturday, February 25 at Northwest UMC (5200 Riverside Drive) at 4 pm.  If you would like to attend, please sign up here. We will be taking a van and/or caravanning from FC North at 3:30 pm that same day. Please indicate on your signup if you would like to travel with us from North.

Upcoming Ministries 4 Movement March 

Several members of the Racial Equity and Gun Violence Prevention (GVP) Ministry Teams participate monthly in a march and worship/information session with members of the Family Missionary Baptist Church and Ministries 4 Movement partners in the South End of Columbus the first Sunday of each month. First Community is recognized as an official partner of Ministries 4 Movement. We continue to work with this community and other partners for sustainment and new opportunities to contribute to justice causes.

If you are interested in attending this worthwhile event, the next march is on Sunday, February 5th at 3 pm at 996 Oakwood Ave, Columbus. Please sign up here if interested.  

Community Justice February Monthly Meeting 

All of our community justice teams gather on the third Monday of each month. This builds our community as we discuss and plan projects and overall direction of the Community Justice ministry together. Our meeting this month is Monday, Feb 27 at 7 pm in Grace Hall. Smaller, specialized meetings around individual projects/events will still occur individually.  

Clergy Conversation

For those of you not at The Gathering next week, consider joining our Clergy Conversation on Wednesday, Feb. 8 from 6-7 p.m. (via zoom. Register for link.) Community Justice Minister Tim Vansant will interview Meg Wheatley, a prolific author and leadership consultant in a wide variety of disciplines. You’re sure to learn something new and wise during what will be a thoughtful conversation between Tim and someone whose work has influenced him positively. Past Clergy Conversations can be found here on the Center’s website.

Gentle Yoga Flow

Thursdays 

8:30-9:30 am

Gentle Yoga Flow for All Levels – is a slow flowy moving Hatha yoga posture practice. Cozy, dynamic body movement, coordinated with the breath creates a steady internal rhythm and graceful synchronicity which improves balance, posture, mood, mobility and brain health.

Recommended Props:

Please have the following props handy for ALL classes: Yoga Mat, 2 Blankets, Yoga Strap or Bathrobe Belt, Hand Towel, Chair.Optional: 2 Blocks, Bolsters, Eye Pillow

Cost – $10/per class (payable to Jodi)

Please email Jodi to register or for additional details, or scan the QR code on the graphic.

Exploring Hinduism

India has more people than any other country in the world. Pew Research Center estimates that 94 percent of the world’s Hindus are among the 1.4 billion people in India. But here in Central Ohio, Indian immigrants and Indian-Americans are a fast-growing demographic. Did you know, for example, that the Columbus area is home to some 8 Hindu temples. What are the holidays Holi (coming up March 8) and Diwali about? Is Hinduism — considered the oldest of all the major world religions — a monotheistic religion? Are all Hindus vegetarian? What does it mean to be a good neighbor to Hindus? These and other questions will be answered at a Saturday, Feb. 18 1-2:30 p.m. program at North. This “religious literacy” educational program is a collaboration with the Spirituality Network and the Interfaith Association of Central Ohio. Did we mention snacks? Join us as we explore someone else’s faith, in hopes of expanding love and compassion for our Hindu Central Ohioans. The signup link takes you to the Spirituality Network site to register.

2023 Spiritual Searcher Event coming in fall

A committee is selecting the 2023 speaker for the Center’s flagship program, the Spiritual Searcher lecture. These dynamic, thoughtful national leaders share their wisdom and help us make sense of faith, spirituality, and love in a complex world beyond central Ohio. We’ll keep you updated as we plan for their visit.

Invitation for volunteers

Adult Learning at First Community is in full gear, with programs and Bible studies aplenty as listed above. Here at the Center, we’re planning for the future with a Saturday, Feb. 25 10 am - 12 pm meeting at North on “Rebuilding Resilience.” We want to hear what you need most from the Center and First Community’s Adult Learning programs. Details and registration links to come. We hope you can join us in person (no zoom link, unfortunately). Also, we’re always looking for new and enthusiastic members for our leadership team, ably led in 2023 by Jayne Kaylor and Jerry Browning. If interested, send an email to AskUs@Spiritual-Center.org. We welcome your ideas and enthusiasm for this unique First Community ministry!

Seeking warm smiles to greet those entering the Crane Welcome Center, 1320 Cambridge Blvd during the week.

We have the following timeframes open:

• Mondays 9 am-1pm
• Tuesdays 1 pm-4pm
• Thursdays 1 pm-4pm
• Fridays 1 pm-4pm

Please contact Pam Jameson (614) 488-0681 ext.232 or pjameson@FCchurch.com

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 at ndunn1975@gmail.com or call (614) 771-4869 for more details about current plans. If you have an idea for a fun activity, let us know! If you plan to join us for dinner, please let Nancy know. 

Upcoming Dates and Activities 

Thursday, February 2 

Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen and Bar 

1678 West Lane Avenue 

Thursday, February 16 

Sunflower Chinese Restaurant 

7370 Sawmill  

Sunday, February 19 

5:30 pm 

MCL Cafeteria 

Book Discussion 

Spite Fences 

By Trudy Krisher 

You are invited to fellowship with First Community members and friends Wednesday mornings from 8-9 am in the Library at FC South. Each week, this group gathers for breakfast (coffee and donuts) and conversation. Speakers, including FC staff, enlighten and inform. Leigh Anne Easterling, Director of Early Childhood Ministries and Mary Evans Child Development Center will be the speaker on February 15.

This fellowship group is open to all. Please contact Larry Anderson if you plan to attend or have any questions at larry.anderson297@gmail.com

Jackie Cherry, Church Historian

My daughter is visiting from Arizona, and she decided that this month she would interview me about my faith journey during my youth.

Mom, when you started going to First Community Church in 1944, what were some of your earliest impressions?

Some of my 8th-grade classmates at Grandview Junior High began talking about attending First Community Church to hear Roy Burkhart preach. My dad or another father would drive us to the church, and then we would walk home afterward. There were always 8 or 10 of us who would sit together in the front row right under the pulpit, so there was no way Burkie could miss the fact that we were there. We went to the 9:00 service because that was when the Cloister Choir sang, and we could hardly wait until we were in high school to join. I’m sure Burkie must have wondered about this group of girls who watched him with such rapt attention every Sunday morning.

What struck you about him?

He was such a magnetic personality, and he just radiated. His eyes were amazing. Each one of us felt that he was speaking directly to us individually. One Sunday, he spoke to us and invited us to the Brownlee youth group that met on Sunday evenings, so we did. This is how we made many friends from Arlington, who were our biggest athletic rivals. We soon learned that we all had so much to learn about life and relationships. Every Sunday, we sat spellbound and mesmerized by this awesome man who had so much to teach us.

What are some of those lessons?

About listening to one another and loving, helping, and forgiving one another. Later, we learned the lessons of the Seven Keys as we explored and discovered them. Together we discerned what these keys to life were, and those lessons have inspired me my entire life. We also learned how to pray and were guided in the life of prayer.

How did camp figure into all this?

Burkie, as well as other speakers, would lead discussions during the morning and evening sessions. Camp experiences inspired us to grow through what we learned and what we were seeking to know about ourselves, other people, and in the life of the spirit. We spent a lot of time in personal meditation, group discussions, Morning Watch (a guided meditation where we would go off to a solitary place alone), singing camp songs, and enjoying one another’s company in that special setting. These were the years before Akita when we went to other camps such as Indianola or Big Brother Camp whenever we could get time on their summer schedule or a free weekend during spring and fall for retreats. Akita was not built until 1949, when I attended my first College Camp.

How did FCC figure into your social life?

On Sunday mornings, the Cloister Choir sang at the early 9 AM service. Then Sunday night, we would be back at church for Brownlee Groups. We would have a speaker or discussion, or sometimes we would go and meet with another church’s youth group. There was a big Kick-Off event in the fall to introduce all the adult leaders for the coming year and hear about upcoming plans. We discovered that the kids from Arlington were friendly, too, and it was a great way to get to know them. Wednesday night was choir practice, and we walked home afterward in a big group. Of course, Bar None, the New Year’s Eve Dance, was a very special social event. First Community Church was the melting pot for our social life during my high school years and the guide to our spiritual growth. It was and is THE PLACE to be!!

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