by Rev. Glen Miles, Senior Minister

I do not doubt that a few of the toys received as gifts have already broken by now, a week or so after Christmas. I know it can be a heart-wrenching experience, especially if it was a long-dreamed-of present!

The poet Antonio Porchia helps us here. He declares, “Every toy has the right to break.” He means that toys that are broken while being used, enjoyed, played with, and relished have a right to fall apart, to break down. In many ways, this is the fulfillment of the gift.

Theologian Leonard Sweet brought this idea to my attention. He notes, “Every heart has the right to break, too, and for the same reasons. The only hearts that never break are those that beat behind closed doors.” Porchia makes a similar point, “To wound the heart is to create it.”

This is a challenging lesson to learn. Broken toys and, even more so, broken hearts are painful to experience. No one who falls in love dreams of the possibility of their heart being wounded. Yet even the best of relationships go through pain and heartache.

My grandparents, Bob and Violet Small, were married for over sixty years. Their marriage was a beautiful thing to see. Oh, there were less-than-perfect moments and some painful realities to face, but their love was (and continues to be) a great inspiration. I was honored to preach the sermon at Grandpa’s service. There were many tears shared but just as many laughs as well. His life was well-lived. After the service, family and friends were invited to my grandparents’ condo for lunch. After a while, I noticed my grandmother standing off to the side, away from everyone. I went to her and said, “After sixty years, your heart must be filled with wonderful memories.” She turned and looked at me with hard eyes. “Sixty years? It wasn’t enough, grandson. It wasn’t enough.” Her heart was broken.

A year or so later, she told me she embraced the grief and the sorrow as a reminder of her love for her “Robby.” She put herself to sleep every night, recalling many wonderful stories from their six decades together. 

In the book of Revelation, we read the beautiful promise of resurrection. John declares

“God will wipe every tear from (our) eyes.

Death will be no more;

mourning and crying and pain will be no more,

for the first things have passed away.”

And the one who was seated on the throne said, ‘See, I am making all things new.’”

My new year’s resolution is pretty simple, to give my heart away in love, trusting in the promise that even if it breaks, God will one day make it and all things new.

In the January sermon series, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, we will revisit the wonderful wisdom found in The Wizard of Oz. Each character in the story reminds us of the challenge of embracing who we are while learning to let love guide us in all we do. The brilliant theologian Frederick Buechner declares Oz is "not only the greatest fairy tale that this nation has produced but one of its great myths." We will read these stories in light of Jesus' teachings and more. Be sure and watch the movie before January 8, when the series begins!

On January 1, there will be one service only, 11 am at First Community North. Rev. Mary Kate Buchanan will preach the sermon "I Wonder..." Children will remain in worship.

First Community locations will be closed Monday, January 2, 2023.

by Alice Finley, Governing Board Chair

The Governing Board enjoyed a lovely dinner together on December 9th. I share this because it was a reminder of what a special group we have. Our diverse board reflects and represents many aspects of First Community. We each bring our experiences and talents together in a spirit of love for each other and our church.

While there was no Governing Board meeting in December, there continues to be a lot of work behind the scenes. For example, a task force approved in November has been working to create processes and assessment tools for the board's annual evaluation of the Senior Minister. Thanks to Ginny Barney, April Howe, and Cydney Philbin, the board will soon have a predetermined set of guidelines to provide thoughtful feedback and support for the senior minister's professional growth. Evaluating the CEO is one of a board's most important governance responsibilities. As you can imagine, our Senior Minister has extensive day-to-day responsibilities. I am incredibly thankful for the task force's work to format the core competencies (Preach, Teach, Lead) into a helpful tool. I look forward to using this tool to allow every board member to give input.

Next month, on January 28th (Mark your calendars), I look forward to our Annual Meeting. The agenda is almost set, and you will receive more information in the next several weeks.  

Meanwhile, I hope you all stay warm and enjoy a safe and happy New Year's celebration.

The people below are nominated for the 2023 Governing Board, Board of Deacons, and Nominating Committee. They will be voted on by the First Community Church congregation members at the Annual Meeting on January 28 at 10 am. If you are a member of First Community Church, please plan to attend this once-a-year meeting to vote on the slate of the Governing Board, Board of Deacons, and candidates for the Nominating Committee.

Governing Board

Kristyn Anderson

Dan Davis

Jen Short

Lois Zook

Board of Deacons

Jack Burtch

Gwen Carmack

Ron Gardner

Dave Heigle

Bill Mead

Beth Ryan

Ted Stutz

Charlie Vachris

Nominating Committee

Susan Anderson

Jerry Browning

Holly Dabelko-Schoeny

Nominating Committee Continued

Kathy Glass

Ralph Griffith

Diane Haddad

Craig Hagkull

Karyl Hanhilammi

Katherine Harper

Ray Harpham

Susie Harpham

Jenny Hicks

Mark Hollinger

Jim Hutchins

Jayne Kaylor

Leah Miller

Dave Nickel

Nancy Rummel

Ned Timmons

Scott Toop

Darian Torrance

Jim Turner

Ed Wojniak

What is First Community Foundation? What is its relationship to First Community Church?

The Foundation’s sole purpose is to support the mission, programs, and ministries of the First Community Church. These include:

• Camp Akita
• Spiritual Development
• Worship and Arts
• Staff Development
• Education Scholarships
• Facilities Management and Upkeep

It was established in 1954 by Senior Minister Rev. Dr. Roy A. Burkhart to serve the needs of the community and address the needs of the church. It became a separate charity in 1961 with its own board of trustees, appointed by the church Governing Board. The church and Foundation work as one to fund special program initiatives as well as emergency requests. Generally, donations to the Foundation are designated for future use and for family legacies.

For more information click here.

Now you know!

First Community Members can register for Camp Akita starting on January 7 at 9 am. A camper is a member if their parent, guardian, or grandparent is a member of First Community Church. Take this opportunity to register early! Most First Community Members get into their first-choice sessions if they register during the two-week Member Registration period. We cannot make that guarantee during Open Registration—sessions will fill as soon as Open Registration begins, so don't wait! Find session dates and registration details at CampAkita.org

Do you know a fun-loving, responsible, and kind person who would be a great Camp Akita Counselor? Send them our way! The first deadline to apply for our 2023 summer staff is January 3, but we will continue to accept applications until all spots are filled. Applicants must be at least one year out of high school (graduated in spring 2022 or before).⁠ We seek to hire staff from all backgrounds, so whether you know a seasoned Camp Akita participant or someone who has never been to Camp Akita before, we want to meet them!⁠ Visit CampAkita.org/apply or reach out to Sarah Kientz, Camp Director, at sarah@campakita.org.

Camp Akita is raising money to make much-needed improvements to the basketball court. It’s time to replace the 20-year-old decking, lights, and hoops. We will also add two gazebos to provide small-group seating and beautiful views of the hillside. These upgrades will benefit campers for years to come!⁠ We will continue to raise funds until our $40,000 goal is met. Any funds raised over that goal will support our Akita Scholarship Fund. Visit CampAkita.org/give to donate!

First Community’s Youth Ministry is partnering with Bloomtastic Florist to raise money for our upcoming Mexico Mission Trip.

For $75, purchase a Flower-a-Month Club Membership Card through Bloomtastic Florist (2136 Arlington Ave). Redeem your first bouquet this month or wait as long as you’d like to begin (this makes for a great gift!). Once you redeem your first bouquet, your membership is active for 12 consecutive months.

Flower-a-Month Club Membership Cards can be purchased online HERE. For each membership card purchased, our Youth Ministry receives $25. Additional donations will go directly to our Youth Ministry.

Once purchased online, pick up your Flower-a-Month Club Membership Card at First Community North (3777 Dublin Rd.) during business hours (Monday to Friday from 9 – 5 pm, Sunday from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm). We only have physical cards which cannot be shared electronically.

Share this fundraiser with anyone and everyone! $75 for a year of fresh flowers is an incredible value! Thank you for supporting our Youth Ministry!

by Julie Richards

Each year, First Community is pleased to present our third graders with their very own Bible. The gift of a Bible is a symbolic milestone in a child’s faith development. Bibles will be presented on January 29, 2023 during the 10 am South and 11 am North worship services. 

To reserve a Bible for your third grader, click here or go to FCchurch.com/k-5 ministry/ and follow the links to Third Grade Bibles. For your child’s Bible to be personalized with his or her name, your registration must be submitted by January 16, 2023.  

For more information, please contact Julie Richards jrichards@FCchurch.com 

January is a great time to join the youth and children’s choirs. Choir rehearsals and Midweek Missions begin after the Christmas break on Wednesdays, starting on January 11 at FC North. Come for a snack supper and a casual worship service at 5:30 pm in Grace Hall. Cherub Choir for grades K-3 meets from 6-6:30 pm and Junior Choir for grades K-8 meets from 6:30 -7 pm. Contact youth choir director Sally Beske about openings in the Youth Bell Choirs. Beginning bell ringers meet from 7-7:30 pm. Experienced ringers meet from 7:30-8 pm. Contact Sally Beske for more information sbeske@FCchurch.com

The next Family Fun Day event will be on Sunday, January 22 from 2-3 pm at the Mill Run Get Air trampoline park. Please plan to come and let your child play while you have the chance to touch base with other parents, caregivers, and First Community staff.  

This school year, we will offer opportunities for kids and their grown-ups to gather with other families from First Community. Family Fun Days will be about an hour long each and will take place at different locations in January, March, and May.  

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

Mark your calendars for this year’s Family Fun Days. We will let you know where we will meet in March, and May closer to the gathering date.  

 Family Fun Days 2023 dates and times 

• Sunday, January 22 : 2-3 pm at Get Air, 3708 Fishinger Blvd. 43026 
• Tuesday, March 7 - 6-7 pm 
• Friday, May 19 - 5:30 – 6:30 pm 

We were pleased to welcome the following members into membership at First Community on December 18, 2022.

From left to right: 

Mari-Jean Siehl, Linda Meek, James Mack, Adele Klerk, Richard Klenk, Lisa Ansted.

Not pictured: Gretchen Carpenter who reinstated her membership

Tuesday, January 24, 11:30 am Grace Hall 

The Older Adult Council heard your requests for more daytime gathering opportunities and would like to invite you to our January Luncheon. Come brighten up the winter blues by joining your friends for food, fun, and fellowship. This will also be an opportunity to meet our new Care Coordinator and Director of Older Adult Ministry, Kathi Williams! 

Please RSVP by January 20 to Kathi Williams, Care Coordinator, at kwilliams@FCchurch.com, or by calling (614) 488-0681, ext. 235 

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, January 5 

Longhorn Steak House 

6035 Paul Blazer Parkway 

Tuttle Crossing 

Sunday, January 15 

5:30 pm 

MCL Cafeteria 

Book Discussion 

The Marriage Portrait 

By Maggie Farrell 

Thursday, January 19 

Fish Market 

1245 Olentangy River Road 

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 

January book selection:

Tinkers by Paul Harding

Thursday, January 26, 1 pm

South, Library

Join us Thursday, January 26 at 1 pm in the Library at South (1320 Cambridge Blvd). You do not need to have read the book to attend – just come and join us for an open discussion. Please contact Lorelei Lanier Lotozo at (614) 209-7125 or Kathi Williams with questions or to add your name to our email list.

Click HERE to get your copy and to read more about the book.

Hello! My name is Kathi Williams, and I am the new Care Coordinator. Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I have previously worked as an Office Manager for a Special Needs school in Dublin, Ohio. I was with that company for eight years and enjoyed helping families navigate the educational system for their children with disabilities.

I have two adult children and three granddaughters that I spoil, ages 5, 3, and 2. Yes, it is a little crazy, but I love it!

I am extremely excited to meet and work with each of you. Feel free to reach out, and I will do my best to assist with your Pastoral Care needs.

kwilliams@FCchuch.com

Click below to read the On a Mission! monthly news. In this month’s news you can find more information about:



• Read about the plans for the Mission Ministry Team restructuring in 2023. All those interested in participating in the ministry should plan to join us on January 24.
• Help us establish a group to support and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community at our first meeting January 12.
• Can your group or club support the homeless through meals provided to Friends of the Homeless? We need help on several Mondays in 2023.
• Read the year-end letter from the Trading Post which includes a report on earnings and volunteer activity.
• Included is a year-end recap on Heart to Heart, including good news and fundraising updates.
• Read an update on Tony Apanovitch, one of those we currently support through our Prison Ministry.
• The Refugee Ministry Team continues to support the resettlement efforts from the Wilondja family.

by Amy Caskie, Director of Missions

In 2023, the Mission department will be undergoing a structural change. As the entire church moves toward a Ministry Team model, our Missions department will follow suit. We are taking inspiration from other departments at First Community, especially the Community Justice groups.

The major difference will be that the Mission Council will still exist, be it in a slightly different capacity. No longer will we rely on Mission Council to organize all of the various missions of the church. While Mission Council will continue to function with a term commitment, it will likely be shorter. The primary task of the Council will be to evaluate the financial viability of projects, receive and review grant proposals, and support budgeting processes with the Missions staff. This small group will have more formal guidelines for the best financial processes. This group will work to establish those guidelines together this year.

The Mission Ministry Teams will be focused on individual projects or organizations. We will not require term commitments for these groups, so people can spend as much or as little time and effort on what interests and inspires them. We will determine what organization we support organically through the interest expressed by the church and team members. Later in this email, you will see invitations to become part of many of these ministry teams, including LGBTQ+ Advocacy Group, Prison Ministry Team, and Refugee Ministry Team.

Volunteers can choose to work on a single project or be part of the ongoing support for the mission group. Support of the mission projects will be the responsibility of the small group. In other words, we will not spend time on missions that have little interest or support and instead focus on those projects and missions that our church members are invested in and excited to support. We hope this promotes engagement by eliminating what may have previously been seen as an undesirable commitment.

While each group will primarily focus on their project or mission and can choose to meet more frequently in their own time and space, we will gather monthly for a Mission Ministry All Team Meeting. We will start with a short, large group meeting followed by breakout groups. This new meeting structure will help everyone involved to have the latest information, ensure correct procedures are followed and promote cooperation between groups. It also makes better use of our church resources by consolidating facility use and staff work time into a single evening.

If you are interested, think you might be interested, want to learn more, or have any questions, you only need to do one thing: show up for our first meeting! You don't even have to come in person, we will provide a Zoom link. The first meeting will look different than subsequent meetings, as we will take time to give an overview of each mission and work through a plan together. You can expect to be there for at least 90 minutes. Everyone should come with an open mind, be prepared to listen and share ideas, and willing to respect everyone's time. As a team, we will work out the details of this new structure as we go.

I hope you'll consider supporting us through this change and being part of something new and exciting! Please RSVP here so we can be prepared for the number attending and to get the Zoom link.

The Dominica School and Orphanage has many updates to share. The full report can be accessed at the link below. We hope you will take time to read about this important mission.

2022 Community Justice Ministry Team Recap

Tim Vansant, Minister of Community Justice

I cannot believe we just completed our first full year as Community Justice Ministry Teams! Did you know that the bible contains over 2,000 verses pertaining to justice and caring for our disenfranchised siblings in Christ? First Community has made this a focus of its faith values since its inception and renewed that focus with the 2021 Strategic Plan informed by members of the congregation. In 2022, we built the Community Justice Ministry Teams to take on projects in the community around gun violence prevention, racial equity, and environmental justice. 

Our dedicated volunteers have been out in the community serving and advocating with partner organizations and members of our Central Ohio neighborhoods. We have been busy! It has been an honor to get to know and serve with so many great folks here at First Community. Below is a list of some of our 2022 highlights (along with a few teasers on potential upcoming events).

Racial Equity Highlight Events

• Monthly Ministries 4 Movement Marches and Partnership
• Demonstrations such as Justice Rallies, Gun Violence Vigils, We are Linden, Calls to Action etc.
• Sacred Conversations to End Racism Workshop with Rev. Dr. Velda Love
• Hosted Guest Speaker, Michael Wilkos, Sr. VP at United Way
• Election Protection and Voter Advocacy Work During Midterm Elections
• Miami Valley Peace Heroes Trail Tour
• Held “Stepping Out for Justice” March at FC South 

Gun Violence Prevention Highlight Events

• Guns to Gardens Safe Surrender Event
• Ongoing Safe Surrender Service
• Work with Mom’s Demand Action and Local Gun Safety Advocates
• Legislative Efforts
• Be S.M.A.R.T. Training
• Attending Marches and Events
• Hosting Events

Environmental Justice Highlight Events

• Facility Sustainability Audits
• Winter Hikes and Nature Opportunities
• Tree Planting at North
• Confluence Park Riverbank Clean Up Event 

Upcoming Projects for 2023

• Sacred Ally Quilt Art Exhibit in January*
• Continuing “Be S.M.A.R.T” Training at various organizations (including congregation) 
• Continued Monthly Ministries 4 Movement Marches and Partnership (and other advocacy opportunities)
• Affordable Housing Efforts
• Clinton Township Community Health Action Teams (CHAT) Program
• Hosting Community and Partner Organization Events
• Adding LGBTQ Advocacy Group
• Partnership with Southside Family Farms
• Potential for adding Veterans Group

If you are interested in projects providing education, social service, or advocating for social justice in any of our focus areas, please contact me at tvansant@FCchurch.com.

Sacred Ally Quilt Art Exhibit Save the Date*

In partnership with the Sacred Ally Quilt Ministry (SAQM) based out of New Hampshire, First Community North Campus will host a quilt and art exhibit with faith-based anti-racism messaging and memorializing the last words of George Floyd. These exhibits will tour Ohio with four host sites spanning the state over the course of a month. First Community is the Central Ohio and first hosting location. (You can read about SAQM’s ministry here). Our plans are not locked in just yet, however our kickoff event is tentatively scheduled for the January 27 and will be in conjunction with related musical programming.  The exhibit will be open for multiple days and likely include a documentary viewing and discussion.  Stay on the lookout for additional details! 

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, January 1st at 3 PM at 996 Oakwood Ave, Columbus. Please sign up here if interested. 

Women Living the Questions

Yoga with Jodi

Tuesdays @ Ten

Spiritual Explorers

Contemplative Way

Much Matters Book Discussion

Progressing Spirit

December tends to be a month for gatherings of friends and families, often accompanied by music and singing. On December 12th, the Women's Guild Group, R-S-Z, hosted the Tri-Village Dulcimer Group led by Grandview resident Deena Snapp. Deena shared about the history and origins of one of the only original American instruments and the group demonstrated the capability and versatility of the dulcimer. To ring in the Christmas Season, the group played various Christmas Carols. This was the group's first performance since before the pandemic and they seemed to enjoy playing for us as much as we enjoyed listening. The Tri-Village Dulcimer Group would gladly perform for other groups as well. A small honorarium was provided, which the group plans to give to the Grandview Civic Welfare Club for assistance to local families struggling financially this Christmas.

Membership in the First Community Women's Guild is open to all women and membership information can be obtained by contacting Nancy Withers at nancyfly70@gmail.com or (614) 571-4469.

Jackie Cherry, Church Historian

Revisiting Christmas 1917

What was happening in our church family more than a century ago? In particular, how were we celebrating Christmas? Probably most importantly, we were amid a war in which many of our sons were already embroiled. The families of Charles Moffett, Fields Patterson, Jasper White, Stewart Constable, Francis Paddock, and Lyman Markel had already bid farewell to their sons, who were now engaged in training as they prepared for departure to the battlefields of France. Sadly, some of them would never return. 

Back home in Grandview and Marble Cliff, the ladies of the church who usually worked at rolling bandages for the Red Cross were now busily preparing and wrapping gifts for the needy. So many of the residents of Grandview, San Marguerita, and Flytown on Goodale Boulevard were newly arrived immigrants from Italy who had come to work in the Marble Cliff Quarries. Many would appreciate warm mittens, gloves, hats, sweaters, scarves, or stockings. Gifts that all needed to be wrapped in white paper as Grandview Heights Congregational Church got ready to observe "White Christmas" on the last Sunday before the holiday. That was the special day when members brought their gifts wrapped in white paper to distribute to those in the greater community who would welcome them. 

Mado Shore, who would later be involved in founding Central Community House and was one of our most popular and beloved Sunday School teachers, was in charge of collecting donations to buy extra sugar to make cookies for the soldiers at Camp Chase outside of Chillicothe. In addition, she was also in charge of baking and distributing the cookies that the soldiers were happy to receive. 

As Rev. Oliver Weist rehearsed the children who would participate in the program that would be presented in church on White Christmas, he issued notices in the church bulletin that all who wanted the carolers to stop and sing for them on Christmas Eve should put a lighted candle in their window as a signal. After the carolers had made their rounds, they would return to the church for hot chocolate.

We may face a different world this year, but there are always the poor and hungry among us who need our help through Heart to Heart, Meals for the Homeless, or Christmas Presence through the Trading Post. Our gifts can help those in the greater community, address our church's needs, help fund the music program, or defray the cost of decorating both sanctuaries. May we be reminded that we have a unique and wonderful heritage of reaching out to others and celebrating the birth of Jesus in song, the music of the ages, and, yes, in good deeds. Merry Christmas to everyone in our church family, from those who have gone before!

(I felt it would be good to pause my series on our youth ministry and write something about Christmas Past. There are so many memories to share!! jdc)

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