By Glen Miles,
Senior Minister
Our country is broken. The sin of racism has risen its ugly, demonic head, revealing its true nature. The anger and frustration taking over our land in this moment has been present for hundreds of years.
The public lynching of George Floyd, recorded on video for the world to see, has revealed the evil that has existed in our society for far too long. The fear, anxiety, worry, and frustration in the African-American community is overwhelming and too often all-consuming. Early Friday morning, while driving to Camp Akita to film my weekly video message, I listened to the news on my radio. I heard an African-American media person plead, with emotion in her voice, "JUST STOP KILLING US."
She said it again, "JUST STOP KILLING US." I cannot even begin to understand her fear, her anger, her rage.
Saturday, I watched with pride as two of our fellow Americans courageously flew into space. I remembered how exciting it was when I was a little boy to watch Ohio’s Neil Armstrong make that giant leap for humankind onto the moon.
Do you recall what President John F. Kennedy said when we launched our space program?
“We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard…”
The steps we must take as a nation toward racial equality are not going to be easy. The work we have to do to insure justice in this land for all of God’s children, most especially for people of color, will be extraordinarily difficult.
We choose to do these things and others not because they are easy but because they are hard.
An ancient church leader named John wrote to his church 2000 years ago,
"How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action."
The time to fight against racism is now. Not in word or speech but in truth and action. The time is now.
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Join us for a digital summer! We've created a fantastic lineup of worship and other activities to keep you connected with First Community. Our virtual programming is a bridge to our church - where we can't be in-person - keeping us connected to our faith community and each other.
Look for a special email this week for all the details!
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First Community Clergy Miss You
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Reverends David Hett and Jim Long celebrate ordination anniversaries this month.
Rev. Hett, Minister of Religious Life & Learning, who was ordained into the United Methodist Church on June 1, 1980, celebrates 40 years in ministry, while Rev. Long, Minister of Pastoral Care, was ordained into the United Church of Christ 25 years ago on June 25, 1995.
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By Jodi Patton,
Governing Board Chair
As we all attempt to adjust to the impact of this pandemic, my thoughts are with you and your families. I hope you are keeping safe and healthy. In the midst of this trying and emotional time, I am inspired by the good-heartedness in people, and the genuine acts of kindness happening all around us. These gestures of warmth, strength, and caring give me confidence we will emerge together in a way that serves all.
The Executive Committee met more than usual to keep current on change, safety precautions, business, and programming. The GB has engaged in design thinking inquiry. In April, we viewed TED Talk “Embrace the Shake” (Paul Hansen), after which exploring the meaning of creative/productive amid limitations.
In May, we had conversation around the question: “To what is God calling us after this pandemic?” I am encouraged by this process as we join together exploring the future of our church, agreeing to take action when it is time, and continuing to make First Community a place where all are accepted.
After Easter, Glen Miles and I organized a Short-Term Focus Team that has been looking at strategic planning for FC’s immediate future. One function of this team includes the work of three subcommittees; a Health Team, a Worship Team, and a Communications Team, focusing on respective particulars. In the coming weeks, look for some new and exciting online programming rolling out soon as a result of the efforts of this team.
The safety and health of our members is a top priority. Although we will not be opening the church for in-person worship anytime soon, the Health Team is making strides in preparation for when it is safe to do so. We have been consulting with a health expert in preparing safety protocols in three primary areas: facilities cleaning/sanitation, a health safety policy for staff, and a health safety policy for our members and guests.
Take good care of yourself and one another.
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NBC 4 Coverage of First Community
2020 Memorial Flag Display
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Field of Remembrance flags and bios pay tribute to...
MARBLE CLIFF, Ohio (WCMH) - Ninty-three fallen service members received a special tribute this Memorial Day outside of a church in Marble Cliff. Flags dotted the lawn outside of First Community, with laminated papers attached to each flagpole...
Read more
www.nbc4i.com
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Glancing Back to 1918’s Influenza Epidemic
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by Jackie Cherry,
Church Historian
There are many parallels between events of the last century and what is happening today as our lives are impacted by the Coronavirus. On October 3, 1918, only a week after the city’s first cases appeared, Columbus Health Officer Dr. Louis Kahn advised people to avoid crowds, stay warm, get plenty of fresh air, and not fear the disease infecting and killing thousands on the east coast. A week later, as cases spread rapidly throughout Ohio, Governor James Cox issued instructions that local health officers close places of public gathering, including churches. It doesn’t appear our church complied with that order as our archives contain a complete file of worship bulletins throughout 1918 and 1919. We did, however suspend Sunday School classes, Scout Club, and junior choir meetings for six weeks as well as the children’s Christmas program. One big difference between last century’s flu and our current pandemic, is children and healthy people in their 20s to 40s were most vulnerable then, while our older population and those with underlying medical conditions are currently the most susceptible.
The Columbus Day parade was cancelled, and city schools were closed on October 14. As the number of cases rose, Columbus Mayor George Karb banned all indoor and outdoor gatherings. He also recommended stores and saloons close by 8:30 pm. Many clergymen were indignant churches were closed while saloons were still open. One reason saloons were so popular was because they served more affordable meals than most restaurants.
Dr. Kahn banned Halloween parties, but allowed churches to begin holding short services again. An announcement in our worship bulletin noted girls in the Patriotic League planned a party that weekend to benefit a French war orphan. By November 10, adults, but not children, were permitted to enter theaters and movie houses and most other bans were also lifted. This allowed an estimated 200,000 people to assemble downtown in celebration of the armistice that ended the war. Schools resumed on November 18, but soon closed again as absences soared and didn't reopen until January 2, 1919. Our congregation was meeting during this period to consider merging with the Methodists to form a community church, so First Community was actually born during this trying period in history.
It is estimated 50 million deaths occurred worldwide, including 675,000 Americans. The death toll in Columbus was 2,053. Camp Sherman near Chillicothe was especially hard hit with 1,777 deaths and 5,686 cases. Two of the four young men from our church who died during World War I were victims of the flu epidemic. Jasper White died enroute to England, and Laurence Huff just before slated to return home.
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Grieving and Loss: An Interfaith Conversation
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Rev. Sarah Kientz
In May, First Community member Greg Davis became the President of SAIL (Safe Alliance of Interfaith Leaders), an interfaith organization in Northwest Columbus. The group plans fellowship, education, and worship events for believers of diverse faith traditions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we wondered how we could help Columbus faith communities hold hands from afar during this emotionally and spiritually difficult time.
Greg and I, as well as fellow members of the SAIL leadership team, are planning an event called “Grieving and Loss: An Interfaith Conversation.” Leaders from different faith communities will come together on Zoom to share how grief and loss are ritualized in their tradition under normal circumstances, as well as how the pandemic has altered practices, stretched their faith, or taught them something new.
I am excited to moderate the event, and Rev. Jim Long will be one of the faith leaders presenting! We are honored that First Community’s clergy will have a presence beside Jewish, Muslim, and other interfaith leaders…even if that presence is virtual!
The event is scheduled for Thursday, June 25 in the evening. We hope you will mark your calendars so that you can attend from home via Zoom. More details will appear in First Community’s weekly email updates and on Facebook.
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- Back Bay Mission: Shrimp Boil cancelled. More information on October volunteer trip registration
- Save the Date: Pride parade moved to October 3.
- Update from some of our mission partners.
- Opportunities to get involved this summer.
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Happy Retirement, Lois Zook!
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by C. Andrew Blosser,
Director of Music
"Lois Zook has served as the heart and soul of our Worship and Arts ministry for thirty years. She has tirelessly given heart, mind, and soul to First Community. I am proud to call her a friend and colleague, and I could not be more grateful for all she has done for our faith community."
Dr. Glen Miles,
Senior Minister
For more than thirty years, Lois Zook has been an integral part of the Worship and Arts ministry. Her role and duties have evolved throughout those years to encompass two locations, four weekly services, coordinating the music staff and section leaders, and taking care of so many other things – both seen and unseen.
It cannot be adequately expressed in this message how blessed and grateful we are for all of the many years of dedication, kindness, attention to detail, friendship, and professionalism (and the list goes on). We wish Lois the very best life has to offer in retirement. She will be greatly missed on our staff.
I hope you will join me in congratulating and thanking Lois for her well-earned retirement.
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by C. Andrew Blosser,
Director of Music
and Amy Johnston Blosser,
Associate Director of Music
This pandemic has required each of us to rethink the way we conduct our everyday activities, which has been a major theme in the Music Ministries of First Community. Here are a few highlights of what the music area has been doing:
- Sally Beske, our Associate Organist and Director of Children’s and Youth Choirs, is doing lessons live on Facebook each Friday at 10 am called It’s Choir Time! Sally is presenting fun songs and activities to keep our children engaged. Past editions of these can be found on FCchurch.tv, Facebook page, and mobile app. If you know a young person who enjoys singing and moving around, I recommend you check out these classes.
- Our adult choirs meet weekly on Zoom to “rehearse.” This provided an opportunity for singers to say “hello,” share joys and concerns, and have a time of fellowship and laughter. The choirs are working on a virtual anthem to be completed in the coming weeks, so be on the lookout for that in a future worship service.
- Sally and a variety of soloists are busy preparing and sharing music during our 11 am worship service, and Janelle Rogers and Kiffy Kokal have been providing music for Glen Miles’ Bible Study on Tuesdays at 7 pm.
- There are other many other projects in the works, so please stay tuned in the coming days!
Thank you for your continued support of the music ministries of First Community.
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Behind the Scenes:
It's Choir Time!
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Here is a glimpse of the action “behind the scenes” for our online Children’s Choir offering on Friday mornings at 10 am, live on the First Community Facebook page.
It’s Choir Time!
with Sally Beske will continue throughout the summer. Songs, movement activities, and lessons about music fill this 15 to 20-minute program broadcasted from the guest room of Mrs. Beske’s house.
Although targeted to choir children in grade K-5, all ages are welcome, especially those young at heart. Songs include stories about loose teeth, birthdays, building forts, positive body image, and the importance of making loving choices. Words from the prophet Isaiah are sung every week as children are reminded to look for beauty and joy every day. Parents are invited to submit pictures or comments about their children’s participation in the program that are featured at the next lesson. For a happy boost to your day, no matter how old you are, come join our children’s choir community online for
It’s Choir Time!
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A Message from Our
Early Childhood Ministry
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As more businesses begin to reopen and summer activities adapt to new beginnings, your child may have even more questions about what is going on with COVID-19. There will be places your child has been before that now have new rules or require people to wear masks. A child will ask why he/she has to wear a mask, why a doctor wears a mask, and will really want to know, "why doesn't that family wear a mask?"
The video below is from one of the toddler teachers at Mary Evans Child Development Center. Sarah LeVan has a conversation with a puppet who she sees for the first time while wearing a mask.
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Sarah and Bird Wear a Mask!
Sarah and her friend show young children what is is like to wear a mask, the importance of why we wear them, and that they are not that scary after all!
Read more
www.youtube.com
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Behind the Scenes with K-5
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By Julie Richards,
Director of K-5 Ministry
MaryAnn Hopping and I are currently running the K-5 program with support from other K-12 staff including Jen Bratka
(K-12 Administrator), Jimmy Long (Youth Ministry Coordinator) and Susan Langer (Minister to Youth). We touch base weekly to discuss lessons, books to share, and set goals for contacting families and planning future programs like 1.2.3…Akita!
Initially, it took time to figure out how to offer Sunday school online and offer some form of consistent programming to support families. We learned a lot about available technology in a short time and decided to begin offering story time videos with a faith element, as well as short, accessible resources for parents. Making videos at home has presented some funny challenges like kids slamming doors, dogs standing in front of the camera, taping our phone to various objects to get a better camera angle, and toilets flushing at the end of filming a lesson.
Early on, we began going through our class rosters and contacting families. Our goal was to let folks know we are here to support them and about resources we are sharing. We are now working on reaching out via U.S. mail to individual kids who are on our Midweek Missions and Sunday school rosters.*
Right now, we are working to develop a virtual 1.2.3…Akita! with the help of the Akita team. Although we can’t come together in the way we have in the past, we hope to offer fun and engaging activities for our youngest Akita campers.
Look for Sunday school lessons, meaningful story times, and ideas for parents each week. These materials are shared via email, Facebook, and on the K-5 page of First Community website.
*We would love to include your family in our outreach. If you would like to get information from the K-5 program, please register your elementary age child for Sunday school at
fcchurch.com/k-5
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By Susan Langner,
Minister to Youth
First Community middle and high school youth have been so quick to adapt to our virtual gatherings! We have been meeting via Zoom weekly since the "Stay-at-home" order went into effect. It's amazing how many fun games we can play over a video call! Sunday nights are when we come together as one larger group, alternating Zoom meetings and Netflix Watch Parties. Together, these gatherings make up our “Virtual Crossroads!”
We will begin our summer programming in June, continuing to offer both middle and high school gatherings. Youth can expect to hear from special guests, enjoy some more games, and take part in more virtual movie nights. Our youth team is working on a schedule and program ideas, giving youth a chance to connect with one another and receive support for their faith formation all summer long.
We look forward to welcoming rising 6th graders into our middle school program and rising 9th graders into our high school program! If you have questions and want to know how to get your youth involved, please email Minister to Youth Susan Langner at
slangner@FCchurch.com
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Camp Akita 2020 Virtual Programming
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Rev. Sarah Kientz, Minister to Camp Akita and Young Adults
It is with heavy hearts we announced we cannot safely hold on-site Camp Akita sessions as planned due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The health and safety of our campers, staff, and families will always be our top priority. Camp Akita brings campers into close proximity to live, eat, and play together. We pass food family-style, sleep in bunk beds, and sit shoulder-to-shoulder. These are the experiences that make Camp Akita special. Unfortunately, these activities are unsafe at this time.
But this does NOT mean that Camp Akita is cancelled! Our staff will host virtual programming that will keep the Akita Spirit alive all summer long. We’re lucky to have the tools, and the creativity, to recreate Akita experiences and foster lasting relationships from home. We are excitedly calling this at-home experience “Sweet Home Camp Akita.” To learn more, visit campakita.org.
One day, we will turn down the gravel road again, and Camp Akita will be there, waiting to welcome us home. Until then, we look forward to the new adventure that awaits: one in which we might, at last, find that the Akita Spirit really is everywhere.
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1.2.3…Akita! is Happening – Virtually!
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Each summer, campers and the K-5 team explore the culture of one of the countries where First Community has a mission connection. This is a time for our youngest Akita campers to learn about how kids in other parts of the world live.
This year, campers will experience “Mission to India,” where we will explore Indian culture through movement, games, crafts, music, and food. Each day will consist of live online sessions, videos, a Zoom chat with your counselors and cabin group, a dance party, and lesson videos that can be explored independently.
Participants will receive a packet of materials to support the activities, a Camp Akita t-shirt, and yard sign.
July 20-22 from 9-11 am.
Sample Daily Schedule:
9 am - Check-in/ transition activity/ Group Message
9:20 am - Music
9:40 am - Yoga
10 am - Break
10:10 am - Group activity
10:40 am - Dance party
10:50 am - Cabin time - talk about the day and share what you’ve done
11 am - Close for the day
Participants will have access to videos of Indian cooking, games, art, and picture books they can view and try independently. Written directions for activities will be included in the participant packet.
It is sad we can’t come together in person, but we hope you will join us for this fun and interesting event for campers going into first, second, and third grades.
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North Administration and
Camp Akita Operations Update
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Bobbi Mueller,
Director of North Campus Administration
& Camp Akita Operations
While exploring better ways to stay connected electronically with our members, First Community’s systems have been adapted and improved to allow staff to work from home and stay connected to the congregation. A new app called MinistryOne was introduced in April that not only offers an easy way to give financially, but also a mobile option to easily watch Sunday sermons, Bible Studies, Youth Choir lessons and more. You can also submit prayer needs and contact us for more information through the app. More additions will also be available in June!
Operations for Camp Akita have been refocused on transitioning to an online virtual summer camp experience by restructuring systems and processes to ensure the entire online experience will operate smoothly. While there will be no on-site camp check-ins or returns in Columbus, opportunities to volunteer for Akita will look a little different this summer. But we will still have ways you can continue to support Camp Akita and its staff! Also, watch for an online Akita Store, where you can purchase new gear and apparel to bring home that Akita Spirit!
Onsite Akita cabin rentals have resumed, with updated cleaning and disinfecting schedules and procedures to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for guests. Additional time has been added in between rentals to allow for deep cleaning by the Akita staff, adhering to all medical and health guidelines and recommendations. All individual cabins (Dogwood, Sky Valley, Cabin in the Glen, and Bent Nail) are now open to book on both weekdays and weekends. Visit Facility Rentals at
campakita.org
for more information or contact Danita Young at
danita@campakita.org
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The Trading Post Reopens June 1
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Rebecca Wolfe,
Director,
Tri-Village Trading Post
The Trading Post will begin a phased in reopening June 1, with shopping by appointment only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 am-5 pm. Two customers will be allowed one-hour experiences in a safe, comforting atmosphere. All items in our store are “Pre-Covid-19,” and safe for purchase.
As an added bonus, we will offer all a discount of 25% off your ENTIRE ORDER!
We really do want you back in our shop to take advantage of all our summer stock.
Here’s the safety plan:
- Customers must wear a mask.
- Shoppers must sanitize hands before and after shopping (sanitizer provided).
- Customers and clerks will keep 6 feet from one another.
- Counters and cash stand will be disinfected after each customer.
We hope to hear from you and see you soon, safely returning to one of your beloved activities.
Trading Post Reusable Bags!
Just in time for our Trading Post Re-opening June 1, we have great new reusable shopping bags to offer for $2. They have a wide bottom with a cardboard insert for stability and stitched down handles for added strength. Take them wherever you shop to help promote this great mission of our church! Just let Rebecca Wolfe know and she’ll see you get a contact-free bag!
New Trading Post Donation Policy
The Trading Post will accept donations beginning June 1, 9-10 am, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Due to the concern of handling virus-laden materials, the Trading Post will accept only donations in closed plastic bags or closed boxes. Each bag or box will be labeled as to the date of its arrival and stored until it can be safely opened. We welcome your household items, as well as your laundered clothes, but please understand storage constraints do not allow us to take anything that does not fit in a closed bag or box. Please wear a mask when delivering your items. Someone will meet you at the door to assist or give instructions for unloading.
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By Rebecca Wolfe,
Director of the Tri-Village Trading Post
In the past six years, the Trading Post has given roughly $300,000 back to our church to assist with its vital ministries and missions. Wanting to do more, volunteers from the Trading Post have also chosen to give to a charity in our community. Over these same years $35,000 has been awarded to those helping with the varied needs of people in our area. In 2019-20, our continued growth at the Trading Post led to aid for both Choices, The Center for Victims of Domestic Violence, and Huckleberry House, serving teens and families impacted by abuse, violence, addiction, and homelessness. Even in this difficult time, our church’s missions, such as the Trading Post, hope to share what we have with love.
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By Jim Long,
Minister of Pastoral Care
Congregational and Pastoral Care has been active during the coronavirus pandemic, but in a different way than usual. We are not able to visit the sick in hospitals and nursing homes, but we maintain contact by telephone, mail, e-mail, and text whenever possible. Robin Hood, the Congregational Care Coordinator maintains the Parish Register, which lists hospitalizations, deaths, births, baptisms, weddings, and funerals. Some of the latter are limited due to the closing of the church and shelter-in-place orders. Robin also maintains the Prayer Chain and the Prayers & Squares quilting ministry using social media, as well as assigns pastoral needs and calls to the clergy.
The Board of Deacons has been meeting by Zoom. The Deacons have a traditional role assisting with the sacraments of baptism and communion in public worship. Since these opportunities are suspended while we worship on-line with a limit of 10 people in the room, many Deacons chose to make calls as part of the Older Adult Outreach during the crisis. The Older Adult Council also has been meeting by Zoom and continues to write members of First Community.
Some programs have been conducted by conference call when members do not have access to Zoom. The Grief Support Group meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays at 7 pm to provide mutual care and support for those suffering the pain and sorrow of loss. The Wednesday Evening Bible Study completed a study of “Great Texts for a Healthy Spirituality” in May. Lessons were sent by e-mail, and many in the class chose to join a conference call led by Rev. Jim Long, Minister of Pastoral Care. First Community remains a caring community in these challenging times.
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Congregational Care Update
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Prayers and Squares is an interfaith organization around the country
gathering weekly to make quilts for those who are living with a debilitating illness, have had an accident, or simply need the special prayers of others during difficult times. The purpose of the quilts is to promote prayer. “It is not about the quilt; it’s all about the prayers.” First Community is Chapter 61 of this wonderful ministry.
So far this year and during this time of quarantine, Prayers and Squares was able to provide these prayer-filled quilts to 20 people. We posted pictures of the quilts on our Facebook page and asked people to say a prayer and then “sign” their name or “like” the post. We then printed off all the names and included them in a booklet for the recipient. Anyone is welcome to visit First Community on Facebook to virtually sign their name and say a prayer for the recipients of the quilts.
To volunteer or for more information on receiving a quilt or suggesting someone receive a quilt, email Robin Hood, Congregational Care Coordinator, at rhood@FCchurch.com or call (614) 488-0681 ext. 235.
Prayer Chain Requests Online
We are grateful for all the technology we have to worship online during this time of uncertainty. And now, we also can send prayer requests for the prayer chain online. On the app, you can use the “Contact” button and then click on “Prayer Needs” or use the online form
here
for any prayer requests. You can also contact Robin Hood at
rhood@FCchurch.com
Baby Comfort Blankies
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We love our members and community and do not want to miss anything or anyone! 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, created by our very own Prayers and Squares congregation members Sally Wandel and Barb Davis. Contact Robin Hood at
rhood@FCchurch.com
to update our records and receive this wonderful gift made from love.
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Facilities is Still Busy!
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By Pam Jameson,
Director of Facilities Ministry
During the Covid-19 virus, the Facilities Ministry has focused on best practices for providing a safe environment for essential staff working on site, deep cleaning our buildings, continued maintenance needs, and drafting protocols. PPE materials, including mask donations via individuals also involved with the Prayers and Squares Ministry, sanitizer from a private donor, and cleaning and disinfecting supplies make up our virus prevention arsenal. A special thanks to those who donated time and materials in support of our needs.
Highlights:
- Did you know we held three blood drives South since the onset of the virus? Our fourth drive is scheduled June 16.
- We had four trees removed and flooding/water intrusion at both locations due to excessive rain and storms.
- Thanks to Graham Webb and his wife, Sharryn, for the Memorial Flag Display on the front lawn of 1320 Cambridge Blvd. consisting of 90+ flags and bios of each service member who lost their life serving our country in Vietnam.
- A new bench to honor Harriet Brown from Guild RSZ arrived and waiting for placement and engraving at North.
- The construction process for new wood doors within the South Memorial Garden has begun thanks to a private donor in the Foundation.
- Outside of overseeing the needs of our property, we are finalizing changes for a new phone service provider to reduce operational expenses going forward.
Thank you for your continued support that allows the Facilities Ministry to continue to care for our gifts for which we have been blessed.
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Gun Violence Prevention and Safety Task Force
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DID YOU KNOW?
96% of gun violence occurs because of triggers other than mental illness. Triggers include alcohol and drug misuse, anger, history of abuse, association with delinquent peer groups in adolescence, gang involvement, socio economic status.
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By Eileen Covell
"Be careful what you wish for." Three months ago, most of us might have thought it sounded wonderful to have a few extra weeks added on to spring break, or to work from home in our pajamas, or to have more uninterrupted family time. That was three months ago!
Three months ago, the First Community Gun Violence Prevention and Safety Task Force was gearing up for a May event. After two successful programs - the Samantha Fuentes youth event in October, and our February panel on Ohio gun laws - the question many participants asked is, "What can I do?"
The task force heard these pleas and planned accordingly. We were organizing an action fair to help people discover where their passions intersect with existing opportunities to address gun issues and advocate for change. Originally, we expected to postpone this event, but as the world continues to change, we need to discover new formats to keep gun safety in all our minds. What made sense in March seems unfathomable today.
Stay tuned for specific details and dates!
Members of GVPSTF: Glen Miles, Loretta Heigle, Barb Davis, Terry Davis, Ted Celeste, Buck Byrne, Jamie Greene, Jen Peterson, Doug Covell, Eileen Covell, Laura Wetmore, Dick Meyer, Tim Erwin, Sarah Kientz.
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Burkhart Center Activities Continue
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A “hello” from a recent Tuesday at Ten Zoom class.
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The Burkhart Center Steering Committee, and its program components, The Adult Learning Council and Spiritual Searcher Committee, have been meeting virtually during the pandemic and offering some of their regular programming virtually as well, in slightly new versions still open to new participants via Zoom. To find out more about any of these, and/or to sign up to receive Zoom links, contact
askus@theburkhartcenter.org
, or (614) 488-0681, ext. 118. The first three below are hosted and facilitated by Rev. David Hett:
Tuesday at Ten Discussion Group now meets weekly Tuesdays at 9:30 am (until 10:45 am),
using the past week’s readings from Richard Rohr’s daily spiritual meditations, available at
www.cac.org
.
Contemplative Way Group, weekly Thursdays, 11:45 am – 1 pm
, using the current week’s Richard Rohr daily meditations (
www.cac.org
) for our “sacred reading” and discussion, followed by 30-minute silent meditation from 12:25-12:55 pm.
Progressing Spirit Group’s
discussion of new understandings of “God,” Christianity, and spirituality meets twice monthly
, t
he second and fourth Saturdays of each month, 9:30 – 11:30 am. Uses content from
www.progressingspirit.org
, weekly articles, available for a nominal subscription fee, as well as other resources.
Much Matters book group, third Thursday each month, 6 – 8 pm,
organized by Dr. Shah Hasan with varying facilitators.
June 18:
Devotions
by Mary Oliver. Facilitator: Lisa Norris.
July 16:
On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous
by Ocean Vuong. Facilitator: Rose Konrath.
Finally, a new issues of The Burkhart Center Newsletter is available, the May 18 special
edition, “
Acknowledging What Is."
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We share the joys and sorrows of our church family in our prayers.
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As of May 28, 2020
Deaths
Barbara Hack 4/27/20
Linda Beekman Crim 4/23/20
Sister-in-law of Gus (Linda) Crim
Aunt of Connor (Sarah) Crim
Aunt of Kevin Crim
Betty J Norris 5/10/20
Mother of Kim Norris
Grandmother of Hannah, Benjamin, and Natalie Weber
Nancy Hopping 5/15/20
Mother of Pat (MaryAnn) Hopping
Grandmother of Ethan and Quin Hopping
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Please send notifications of Weddings, Births, Hospitalizations or Deaths to
Robin Hood, Congregational Care Coordinator, (614) 488-0681 ext. 235. Our Pastoral Care staff is available if you desire a visit or call during an illness, hospitalization or time of need.
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Church Gifts
In Memory of:
Linda Beekman Crim
Gus Crim
Benjamin Harris
Daniel Harris
John Vachris
Charles Vachris
In Honor of:
Donna Athey and Cathy Cole
Steven Shoeny
Trading Post Ladies
Vicky Lizka
In Celebration of:
First Community Church Staff
Doug Covell
Easter
Linda Williams
Gifts to the Foundation
Don and Mary Jameson Beautification Fund
Mike and Charlette Collister
Bill and Diana Arthur
Richard Wendt
Sally Porterfield
Hilda Hensley
Marilyn Jennings
Karen Nold and Bob Croteau
Annita Meyer
Dean and Judy Reinhard
Tom Sturges
Michael and Nancy Donaldson
Dave and Dody Parsons
Lynne Ayres
Ron Arledge
Friends of Music
In Honor of:
Dorothy Cowles
Pam Cowles
March Contributions
Missions
Brian and Sally Kriska
Week of Compassion
Glen and Julie Miles
Tom and Carol Rieland
Gregg and Eleanor Trapp
Refugee Task Force
Donald and Brenda Osuaga
Rafiki
Jacintha Balch
Heart to Heart
Robert and Linda Cannon
Courtnee Carrigan
Kevin Cassady
Nancy L Dell
Megan Duffy-Johnson
Brandi Lust and Jamey Fauque
Peter Fox
J Richard and Anna Greer
Bradley and Abbey Jo Griffith
Melinda Haggerty
Susan and Dennis Heebink
Molly Hembree
Dr. Marilyn G Hood
Yohan Kim
Judith Koob
Virginia L Macali
Laura McDermott
Meghan Moledgor
Baiba F Reynolds
Richard and Katherine Rohrer
Samuel and Rita Schaadt
Deborah Smith
Jack and Helen St Cyr
Stephan and Mary Stover
Jennifer A Waddell
In honor of
Susan Huhta
Katherine Schwarz
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April Contributions
Easter Offering
Jamie Davis
Gwynette Marschall
Eric Shisler
In Memory of
Dorothy J Binau
Kathleen Binau
Dorothy & TL Clift
Carrie Rohyans
In Honor of
Carol Meyer
Brian and Mary Buzby
Bruce and Helen Vivian and family
Pamela Vivian
Emily Groom
Charles Vachris and Judith Long
In Celebration of
Marcus J Meckstroth
Brian Towns
Refugee Task Force
Barbara Falkenberg
Deep Griha
Ted and Bobbie Celeste
Heart to Heart
Sue Adams
Gerald and Marjorie
Larry and Marriane Anderson
Jacintha Balch
Michael and Carolyn Barger
Joseph and MaryEllen Berger
Robert and Linda Cannon
Theodore and Bobbi Celeste
Janet Ciccone
Patricia Clark
Dorothy Deems
Nancy Dell
Jane Cammann
Peter LaBianca
Lucy Chu Stokes
Jonathan Conlon
Robert Hettler
Eric Woisnet
Thomas and Priscilla Dobies
Summit Financial Strategies
Maureen Murphy
Maureen Murphy
Jane Cammann
Peter LaBianca
Maureen Murphy
Laura and Philip Richter
Tacy Lake Satterhwaite
Michelle Salsberry
Daniel Cairns
Maureen Murphy
Kathleen Dorcy
Mary and Joe Duchi
John Elder
David and Nancy Evans
George and Constance Frecker
Donald and Karen Gardiner
Ronald Gardner
Colin Gawel and Erin McHam
John and Anna Greer
William and Roberta Guthry
Diane Haddad
David and Karyl Hanhilammi
Susan and Dennis Heebink
John and Judith Hoberg
Dr. Marilyn G. Hood
Thomas and Cynthia Hudson
William Hutchins
George Igel
Darrel and Barb Irwin
Christopher and Susan Jagers
Craig and Malinda Johnson
Mary Jolly
Catherine Klamar
Lynne and Tim Kohr
Judith Koob
Ronald and Betty Kozlowski
Judith Krasnoff
Mary Whitman Kuhner
Christian and Donnalynn Laver
Wilbur and Saundra Lawrence
Kathleen Lennon
Amy Liddy
Judith Long and Charlie Vachris
Bob Mathis
John and Michele McCandless
Miles McCollum
Gerald and Nancy McFeeley
Richard and Carol Meyer
Joseph and Bobbi Mueller
Michael O'Sullivan
Carolyn and David Patterson
Anne Powell Riley
William Radcliffe
Jeffrey Reynolds
Mabel Rice
Richard and Katherine Rohrer
Nancy Roth
John Schuster and Marilyn Kane
Estelle and David Scott
Leonard Smith and Raymond Dandera
Darryl and Catherine Sycher
Merydeth Tipton
R Scott Toop
Margaret Tressler
Charles Vachris and Judith Long
Loren and Cheryl Van Deusen
Charles Webb
Graham and Sharryn Webb
Mary Weisman
William and M. Susan Westbrook
Robert C White, Sr. and Jane White
Ruth M Whitehouse
Brian and Monika Winer
In memory of
Helen Sandusky
Ann Browning-Shaw
In honor of
Lamar Graham
Melinda Haggerty
James and Jane Ledman
Doug and Darian Torrance
William Hutchins
Craig Johnson
Rachel Johnson
Nancy Heath
Brian and Sally Kriska
Sally Beske
Helen Saxe
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First Community Church | (614) 488-0681 | FCchurch.com
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