March 1-31 - First Community Church

Member
Survey
Letters to
the Editor
Page 2
Page 3
New
Members
Page 6
firstnews Monthly
614 488.0681
FCchurch.com
March 1 - 31, 2015
Vol. 61 No. 3
Common Ground
One American Minister's
Response to Arab Culture
n By Dr. Deborah Lindsay
Last month, I had the opportunity
to travel to Kuwait to represent First
Community Church as a voice for
interfaith.
I was invited by the AWARE Center,
which stands for Advocates for
Western-Arab Relations.* My visit was
during the first week of February, in
connection with UN World Interfaith
Harmony Week. (AWARE paid all the
travel and other expenses for my son,
William, and me.) AWARE is headed
up by Dr. Ebrahim Adsani and it is a
labor of love; his passion for interfaith
dialogue began when he was a PhD
student at the University of Tulsa.
I gave lectures at the University of
Kuwait and the Grand Mosque of
Kuwait. Hold that thought for a minute:
a western, Christian woman as the
guest speaker at the Grand Mosque.
I spoke about the common ground
between Christians and Muslims: love
of God and love of the neighbor. I also
talked about my doctoral research
and the key learning that Christians
and Muslims in our community don’t
know how much they have in common
in terms of basic life values such as
compassion, generosity, and honesty.
Based on my research, I believe
common values are a better starting
point for dialogue than religion.
My focus on common values is
bolstered by my primary work at FCC,
pastoral care. Sitting with people when
they are approaching life’s end, it’s
clear that what matters most is that we
love and are loved, and that we live our
lives with integrity. Life, death, joy and
Women choose how they want to dress and whether to cover their hair. “I cover my hair, not my
brain,” one arab woman said.
sorrow – they cross all lines of gender,
ethnicity, nationality and religion.
think it’s “ridiculous” that women are
not allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia.
Kuwait is one of the more open
societies in the Arab region. They are
warm and welcoming to Americans.
(Remember in 1991, the US led the
international coalition that liberated
Kuwait from Iraqi invaders. There is
still a considerable American military
presence there.) Women choose how
they want to dress and whether to
cover their hair; they work outside
the home, have complete freedom
of movement and make their own
decisions. They really don’t like the
idea among westerners that they are
oppressed. One woman said to me,
“I cover my hair, not my brain.” They
A funny thing that happened on our
trip had to do with language. There is
no word in Arabic for female clergy;
the closest word is nun and that’s what
some people were expecting. Imagine
their surprise when I showed up, not
wearing a habit and introducing my
son. I did pay attention to cultural
expectations in my dress by wearing
long sleeves and pants to cover my
knees. It wasn’t much different from
what would be considered professional
dress for the situation in any country.
I did cover my head in the mosque,
(Continued, Page 2)
Upcoming Member Survey
n By Rev. Jim Long
First Community Church has always had an active and committed congregation
with vital ministries and programs. However, we are engaged in ministry in a
time of great change in the lives of our members and participants and in our
wider community and world. Also, as a larger congregation with multiple
ministries in many places, it is difficult to know how people involved in our
community of faith are experiencing congregational life. We would like to know
what your experience is.
In the coming weeks, we will conduct a Member Survey. This has been
developed by Gallup, Inc. and has been used by a variety of churches to
assess the level of member engagement and spiritual commitment in their
churches. Every member and participant in our congregational life will have the
opportunity to share his or her opinions about some of the key aspects of our
congregation’s life together. The purpose of this survey is to help us identify areas
of strength in our congregation and areas where we can improve.
Surveys will be placed in worship bulletins and filled out in church on two
Sundays: April 12 and 19. In addition the survey will be made available online
beginning April 8. Also, we will be making the survey available to councils and
boards. We are asking that congregational members and participants 18 years
or older complete the survey. However, we ask that each person fill out no more
than one survey. Your response will be completely confidential.
I encourage you to take a few minutes to share your thoughts and opinions
with us. Obviously, the higher our participation rate, the more comprehensive
our results will be. After we have received the results, we will use them to start
a dialogue about how we can be more engaged in our congregational life and
more effectively accomplish our mission and vision by using the gifts and talents
God has given us.
This is an exciting time for our congregation as we take important steps toward
fulfilling our purpose by following the way of Jesus Christ. Thank you, in advance,
for your willingness to share your thoughts, opinions, and ideas through the
upcoming Member Survey.
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Common Ground
(Continued from Page 1)
respecting the tradition. In the same way, when I visit a Buddhist temple, I
remove my shoes.
Catholic theologian Hans Küng is known for saying, “There will be no peace
among the nations without peace among the religions. There will be no peace
among the religions without dialogue among the religions.” Dialogue is the
reason I went to Kuwait. Did we agree on everything? Of course not, but we
listened to, learned from, and were challenged by each other. To borrow from
the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad: “When we walk toward God, God runs
toward us.” I am convinced that when we engage in interfaith dialogue, when
we seek to understand and respect each other, when we have a passion for
peaceful co-existence in the world, then God truly runs toward us. This is the
message of First Community Church and it is my privilege to share it.
*There is a four-minute video about the AWARE Center on YouTube. You can
find it here: http://bit.ly/1zIZFkG You can watch one of the TV interviews I did
during the trip here: http://bit.ly/1DbEadb
2
firstnews is a communications mission of
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Editor: Michael Barber
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March 1 - 31, 2015
Looking Ahead
Dr. Wing is preparing
the following sermons:
LENTEN SERIES:
THE CARE & FEEDING
OF YOUR SOUL
March 1
Part 2 - Losing Our Souls
Mark 4:1-20; 8:34-46
Luke 12:13-21
March 8
Bishop John Shelby Spong
Guest Preaches
Part 3 - Keeper of My Soul
I Peter 2:21-25
Available exclusively on
First Edition, March 22
March 15
Part 4 - The Souls Center and Future
Hebrews 6:13-20
March 22
Part 5 - Soul Needs
Psalm 103:1-14, 22
Matt. 11:28-30
March 29
Palm/Passion Sunday
Letters to the Editor
Any publication worth its weight
not only publishes letters from its
readers, it encourages them. Our
efforts to enlighten, inspire and
inform through firstnews Monthly,
firstnews Sunday, Firstnews-Extra.
com and FCchurch.TV are based on
what we believe to be important to
you. We want your feedback and
look forward to providing you with
an open and proper platform.
Send letters to:
Michael Barber, Editor Firstnews
c/o First Community Church
1320 Cambridge Blvd.
Columbus, Ohio 43212
[email protected]
March 1 - 31, 2015
Soundings
Everything Connected
–– The Reverend Dr. Richard A. Wing, Senior Minister
A Column In Honor of Marcus Borg
Every person who wants to bring their head and
heart to God at the same time owes Marcus Borg
big time.
When Marcus wrote what has become his
benediction, Convictions: How I Learned What Matters
Most, we sense he knew it would be his goodbye to
this world.
In his final book I was struck by his telling of mystical
experiences I never knew him to talk about in person or lecture.
He said, “I became aware (through mystical moments) not just intellectually but
experientially of the connectedness of everything.“
"In my mid-fifties, I had the longest and most intense such experience I’ve ever
had. It happened an hour or two into a flight from Tel Aviv to New York—in
economy class—a detail I add not to establish virtue, but to make it clear that
I hadn’t had any before-dinner drinks. I think the experience lasted about forty
minutes—not that I timed it, but it began before dinner was served and ended as
the flight attendants were removing the dinner service.
As during the experiences of my thirties, the light changed. It became golden. I
looked around, and everything was filled with exquisite beauty—the texture and
fabric on the back of the seat in front of me, the tray full of food when it arrived
(which I did not eat). Everybody looked beautiful—even a passenger who, as we
left Tel Aviv, had struck me as perhaps the ugliest person I had ever seen. He had
been pacing the aisle and was so hard to look at that I averted my eyes each time
he passed by. Even he looked wondrous. My face was wet with tears. I was filled
with joy. I felt that I could live in that state of consciousness forever and it would
never grow old. Everything was glorious, filled with glory.”
These experiences cannot be demanded or
commanded. They just happen. I have had
dozens of people speak of such “thin” moments
of deep mysterious revelation that were, to them,
a blessing. I normally say,“Don’t tell your friends,
because they will ruin it.” How? By explanation and
interpretation. “What kind of meds are you on?”
My deep connection to Marcus came through
lecture, sermon and heartfelt sharing, but mostly
when he said to “be sure to have plenty of
Cheetos available in the room where I stay.” Now
that is a theologian and spiritual guide you want
to hang out with!
Marcus, we will thank you forever, for feeding our intellect, but even more, how
you touched our hearts with questions, truth, brightness, joy and love.
Peace to your new path brother Marcus,
Editor's Note: Our clergy have dedicated their
columns this month to the memory of Marcus J. Borg.
3
Foundation Corner
Foundation Gifts
Philanthropy Today
In Memory of:
Cherry Park
Ron Gardner
Ferne Arnett
Jinny Frick
Fred Staub
Don and Donna Gepfert
Roger and Nancy Baker
James H. Davis
Guild Group X
John and Ann Rarey
Tom and Bette Frye
Bette Millhon
Joan Hessler
Nicholas Jouriles
Curt Long
Barbara Fleischer
Joan Mitchell
Wasserstrom Family
Margaret Postle
Buck and Nancy Byrne
Nancy Burtch
Gordie and Catsy Johnston
Alec and Kathleen Wightman
Rourke and Blumenthal
Mary Lynne Okano
Poling Law
Candace Tesner
Adam and Amber Scott
Bruce and Kerry Mehollin
Robert Miller
Jean Brandt
Tom and Pam Stewart
The Falkenberg Family
Bob and Susan Aumiller
Linda McGuire
Louise Fortner
Debbi Steller
Ted and Sharon Bernert
JoAnn Sinclair
William Shkurti
Jason & Camille Milligan
Eileen Coleman
Gary & Jari Wadman
Donice Wooster
Kimberly Shepherd
Dan and Donna Donovan
David and Carol Baker
Bill Morris
Jack and Sherry Bjerke
Dick and Anna Greer
David and Becky Wood
Kiehner Johnson
Steve and Nan Van Heyde
Kim Eisner
Patricia DeSantis
Donice Wooster
Patricia Mielke
Heather Kelly
Richard Millisor
Tom and Cindy Bloch
Wednesday Morning Fellowship Group
Ruth McNeal
Louise Fortner
Bill Morris
Walt and Carol Neff
Sherry Barger
Buck and Nancy Byrne
J. Thomas and Kathleen Jones
Bob and Donna Tait
Linda McGuire
Jinny Frick
Walter Menendian
J. Thomas and Kathleen Jones
Walt and Carol Neff
Merry & Jim Hamilton
In Honor of:
Spiritual Searcher
Susan Day
Lamar Graham
Doug and Darian Torrance
Margaret Passon
Jim and Ruth Decker
— Lauri Speight Sullivan, Director of First Community Foundation
Last week, a church member was in my office to
talk about including the Foundation in her bequest.
We wound up talking about a gift for today instead
of a gift in the future. She thought all funds were
started when a person had passed away. Not true.
Debunking myths is part of my job.
In actuality, about one quarter of the Foundation’s
hundred funds and endowments were started by
people who still walk the halls of First Community
Church or have only recently passed away. Ruth
and Dick McNeal are a classic example. Between
1985 and 1988, almost thirty years ago, the McNeals started four endowments:
• The Ronald Jenkins/ Ruth and Dick McNeal Endowment for Worship and Arts
• The Howard Huntzicker/ Ruth and Dick McNeal Endowment for the Poor in
Franklin County
• The Nancy Heath/ Ruth and Dick McNeal Endowment to aid senior citizens
in Franklin County
• The Nancy Glenn/ Ruth and Dick McNeal Endowment to support the
Salvation Army in Florida
Starting the endowments as they were involved in the church allowed them to
observe their gift being used. All four funds were designed to honor revered
staff members and to thank them for their service. All four funds support mission
efforts the McNeals were passionate about. The initial gift was invested and has
grown to generate earnings to support a variety of projects over the years. Today,
the Heath and Glenn earnings are used annually. In 2013, the Jenkins Fund was
accessed for the choir trip to Austria and the Huntzicker fund was used for Heart
to Heart and the Homeless Family Foundation.
The McNeals spent their twilight years in Florida, but were still committed to
the opportunities the endowments provided to First Community Church and
their communities. Ruth even called me in December to make a new gift to all
four funds.
So the message is if you have the resources to start a fund or endowment, don’t
wait until the gift is a line in a will. Witness the impact a Foundation gift can offer
First Community today. I will be glad to help you work through the details.
With Grace,
Pictorial Directory Postponed
We are postponing the production of a new pictorial directory at this time.
Thank you to those who scheduled a photography time. We will keep
everyone informed as we choose an alternate date for the project.
4
March 1 - 31, 2015
Church Gifts (continued)
Take Heart
Thank you, Marcus Borg
In Memory of:
Sherry Barger
Sallie Davis Bethge
Nancy and Mike Donaldson
Sally and Brian Kriska
–– The Reverend Dr. Deborah Lindsay, Minister of Spiritual Care
One of my enduring memories from Trinity Lutheran
Seminary is walking out to the parking lot with my
classmate, Victor. Victor was an African American
Baptist and as we walked he shook his head and
said, “If my grandmother knew what they are
teaching at this seminary…” He didn’t have to finish
the sentence; we both knew he was talking about
the dismantling of treasured stories like Adam and
Eve, Noah’s ark, and Moses and those stone tablets
dictated by God.
Third Grade Bibles
In celebration of:
Marjorie Allaire
Mark and Carol Allaire
Brett Kingsley
Scott and Allison Kingsley
Allie Gomez
Jeff and Wendy Gomez
Jared Rabadam
Michael and Amy Rabadam
Jacob Sines
Brian and Julie Sines
General Missions
Brian & Sally Kriska
Heart to Heart
Christine Baker
Janice Beaty
Lee Burges
Bob Burns
Nancy Dell
Jeannine Farmer
Couples Circle #36
Scott & Kristy Glaser
Arlene Keethler
Mary Olson
Dick & Kitty Rohrer
Steve & Kate Shaner
Anne Sheline
Jack Shuter
Tracy Stuck
Doug & Darian Torrance
L. Paige Turner & Jason A. Poling
Joyce Wood
Steve & Sandra Young
In Memory of:
Cherry Park
Sue & Bill Buchanan
Pamela Demulling
Steve & Mary Donahue
Ferne Arnett
Kelly Maloney
Friends of Adult Education
Kathy Carnahan
Center for Spiritual Search
Lisa Bueche
Kathy Cleveland Bull
Rev. Susan Day
David Haury
Cindy Lanese
Psychological-Spiritual Development Fund
In Honor of:
Rev. David Hett
Judy and Dean Reinhard
Spiritual Searcher
In Honor of:
The Spiritual Searcher Committee
Judy and Dean Reinhard
Whitechapel Ringers
In memory of:
Cherry Park
Marilyn Lash
In honor of:
Mary Evans
Marilyn Lash
Dottie Cowles
Marilyn Lash
In theological education there is a “deconstruction
stage” and that was Victor’s. Mine was different. Having grown up in the type
of progressive Christianity of First Community Church, I understood that many
Bible stories hold deep truths without being factual. Still, I had my own period of
deconstruction. Suddenly I had to footnote my faith and configure my beliefs into
some form of systematic theology. I had to define the indefinable and express the
inexpressible.
Marcus Borg saved my life in seminary, because Marcus Borg could do that stuff.
I entered seminary in 2003 and his book, The Heart of Christianity, came out in
2004, right when I most needed it. Marcus mastered the tricky art of both/and.
He was a person with both a deep, passionate, personal faith and a brilliant mind
for the study of history, culture and theology. He never sacrificed one for the other
and that reassured me that I didn’t have to either.
My copy of The Heart of Christianity
is filled with Post-its, notes in the
margins, more notes in the back
pages and a treasured inscription
from Marcus. At that point in my
life I was hanging on every word.
For example, “Christianity is not
about getting our beliefs right, it
is a way of transformation,” and
“Experiencing the sacred is tasting
the Kingdom of God.” One of my
notes at the beginning of chapter
ten says: “READ THIS AGAIN.”
I’m going to.
Marcus Borg described himself as an agnostic on the subject of life after death.
Speaking as a Spiritual Searcher at FCC he said, “I’m not worried about it. I know
I do not die into nothingness, but I die into God and that is enough for me.” I
use my own version of his thinking in every memorial service I preach. Just last
month after a service of memory, a woman came up to me and said, “Thank you
for what you preached about what is next after this life. I am a Buddhist, yet I was
completely comfortable with everything you said.”
Thank you Marcus, for the gift of your scholarship and your faith, and thank you
for saving mine.
(Continued, Page 9)
March 1 - 31, 2015
5
Welcome New Members Joined on Sunday, February 1, 2015
Daniel Craine
William Hensley
Dustin Hood
Brooke Johnson
Rachel Kauderer Kristen McKamey
Emily
Ryan Meadows
Lauren Miller
Ryan Miller
Andrew Palmer
Nan Radabaugh
Meadows
Dan Craine and wife, Lea, are the parents of Mitch (6), Rosie (4),
Leo (2), and Emritt (11 months). Daniel joins our church family
to build his relationship with FCC through Camp Akita and by
participating in acts of service with his brother-in-law, Tim Carlson,
sister-in-law, Erica Carlson, and niece Suzie. Dan is a licensed
attorney and is originally from Dayton.
Bill Hensley brings extensive church experience having both
served on the staff of First Community and as a United Methodist
minister for many years. In his retirement, he joins First
Community “because of its open fellowship to all searchers of
spiritual nourishment”. He is interested in religious history and
modern social action and hopes to foster those interests through
involvement in First Community programs. Bill, and wife Hilda,
generally worship at the 11 am South Campus service.
Emily Meadows and husband Ryan, are the parents of Julie (3)
and Caroline (1). They normally attend the 9:45 am worship
service and want their family to grow in spirituality and service to
others. Emily, originally from Chardon, is a school teacher in Upper
Arlington. She enjoys sewing, exercise and serving others. Emily
is enjoying her involvement through Friends of the Homeless and
looks forward to getting involved in other FCC programs.
Ryan Meadows chose to join First Community because of the
“great congregation to raise his daughters in, the music, children’s
programs, and quality of pastoral staff.” An attorney working at
The Ohio State University, Ryan is originally from Lodi and enjoys
reading, especially political and spy thrillers, watching sports and
spending time with his family in his free time.
Dustin Hood is the fiancé to staff member and member Robin
Taylor. Dusty is a realtor/appraiser for Keller Williams Consultants
and says that “FCC provides the best foundation and support for
me to grow spiritually”. He grew up in Dublin and enjoys rooting
for the Buckeyes and Blue Jackets.
Lauren Miller and Ryan are the parents of Nolan (5), Eli (3),
and Quincy (5 months). Lauren graduated from The Ohio State
University where she played on the women’s basketball team and
is now a physician/radiologist at Riverside Radiology. Lauren looks
forward to getting involved in children’s programs and volunteering
in Sunday school classrooms.
Brooke Johnson is a nursing student and first learned of First
Community Church through her parents, members Mary and
Charlie Johnson. She joins for spiritual development and hopes to
get involved in Akita programs. In her free time, Brooke loves to
stay active through playing tennis and taking walks with her dog.
Ryan Miller, Lauren and their children recently relocated from
Raleigh, NC and join FCC to be part of our loving and welcoming
church community. They generally attend the 9:45 service. Ryan
is a marketing executive with M2 Marketing, LLC and enjoys
woodworking and playing sports in his free time.
Rachel Kauderer attends the 9:45 am service with her family
and joins because of the sense of belonging she feels at First
Community. Rachel is a Cincinnati native, a black belt in Tae Kwan
Do and loves to scuba dive. She looks forward to getting involved in
the music ministry and Heart to Heart.
Andy Palmer enjoys attending the 11 am worship service because
of the wonderful music and preaching from the pastoral staff.
He first learned of First Community through Camp Akita and his
fiancée, Sharon Millhon. Andrew is an insurance agent and lives in
Upper Arlington.
Kristen McKamey says FCC “exemplifies many of my spiritual
beliefs and I feel very at home attending services.” Originally from
Bluffton, Kristen works at Riverside Hospital as a nurse. She and her
fiancé, Noah, worship at the 11 am South campus service. Outside
of her spirituality, which has always been a part of her life, Kristen
enjoys cooking, crafting, quilting, sports and the outdoors.
Nan Radabaugh and Nick chose to become members because of
the “open-minded environment that accepts everyone, regardless
of background with a wonderful staff and friendly congregation.”
They attend the 9:45 service with children, Will (4) and Hallie (2).
Nan is an outdoor enthusiast with degrees in biology and wildlife
science and spends her free time running, hiking, and camping.
6
March 1 - 31, 2015
Explore Membership
n By Helen Vivian
New Members of First Community Church join a
congregation that has fostered community and spiritual
growth for 105 years through worship, mission, pastoral care
and small groups.
Our Membership Seminars are an opportunity to hear about
the history, programs and inclusiveness of our church and
become acquainted with clergy and staff through a relaxed
atmosphere of conversation and fellowship.
Nicholas
Radabaugh Sheila Ross
Noah Southern
Whether you are ready to become a church member or
would simply like to learn more about our church, we
invite you to join us for our upcoming, two-night Spring
Membership Seminar.
Membership Seminar & Dinner
Tuesday, April 7, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Brownlee Hall, South Campus
Dessert Reception with Dr. Wing
Charles Winslow
Katie Winslow
Nick Radabaugh and his wife, Nan, first heard about FCC from
friends, and fellow new members, Ryan and Emily Meadows.
Nick says “he has really enjoyed the services and feels like this
church reflects our views.” Nick is a fisheries biologist at the Ohio
Department of Natural Resources – Division of Wildlife and enjoys
sharing his love for the outdoors, especially fishing, with his family.
Sheila Ross joins FCC because “the sermons speak to me and have
given me much needed peace in times of challenge.” She and her
daughter, Ellie (3), attend the 11 am South Campus service. Sheila
is originally from Shelby, graduated from The Ohio State University
and enjoys camping, hiking and sports. She looks forward to
meeting other parents of pre-school children and participating in
parent and women’s study groups.
Noah Southern and fiancée, Kristen McKamey, most often attend
the 11 am service where they enjoy the choir as well as the
traditional feel. Noah is an electrician with Romonoff Electric Group
and was born and raised in Grandview. Noah is looking forward to
getting involved in First Community programs, particularly those
relating to music and mission. Noah’s mother, Sandie Southern, is a
church member.
Charlie Winslow and wife, Katie, join because of the inclusive
preaching and theology as well as for the children’s programs.
Charlie is a financial advisor with Signator Financial Group, LLC.
and is an active volunteer on several boards related to his alma
mater, Dartmouth College. Charlie looks forward to participating in
Bible study, couples groups and hopes to form an inner city school
mentoring group made up of fellow FCC members.
Katie Winslow, originally from Hungary, has lived in the United
States for over 22 years. She is a local realtor, passionate cook and
loves to organize parties, gatherings and menus. She and husband,
Charlie, attend the 11 am worship service with their daughter
Sophie (6 months) and first discovered FCC through their friends,
Don and Donna Gepfert. Katie looks forward to volunteering,
classes, bible study and small group ministry.
March 1 - 31, 2015
Wednesday, April 15, 7 – 8:30 pm
Room 130, North Campus
If you plan to attend the seminar or would like more
information, please contact Helen Vivian, Coordinator
of Member and Volunteer Engagement, at
[email protected] or 614 205.9190.
Spring Women's Retreat
THE CELEBRATION OF ACT III
New Archetypes and New Questions
for Life After 50
with Kathy Cleveland Bull
April 24 - 26, 2015
Camp Akita
What new life wants to
emerge through me now?
How can I give it expression
and actively encourage it?
Looking at archetypes of older women from fairy tales
and Greek Mythology we seek to find a pathway for our
emerging self.
Women in the community of all ages are welcome to
enjoy a retreat in the Hocking Hills and benefit from
the program.
Register at FCchurch.com/spring-womens-retreat
7
Financial
Statement
First Community Church
ANNUAL MEETING
Budget Comparison 2014-­ 2015
Summary Statement of Activity
–– Cindy Harsany, Director of
Finance and Operations
As I meet the
people of this
church, I find
First Community
to be a place
of diversity,
beauty, love and
hope. This is
what gives me
encouragement
as I collaborate
with others in creating a sustainable
budget, involving more people in their
faith community and supporting the
financial needs for our programs that
touch the lives of those inside and
outside our church walls.
The past couple of years were
financially challenging. We did not
meet our budget in 2013 and 2014.
The Foundation provided assistance
and our staff did an amazing job at
reducing budgeted expenses to lessen
the shortfall.
For the 2015 budget, it was necessary
to reduce expenses that significantly
impacted compensation and positions
in order to create a sustainable budget
for 2015. This was a very difficult
decision to make and something we
have tried to avoid.
Currently, we have a Stewardship
Committee led by Mary Ann Krauss
and a group of very dedicated people.
Our pledge budget was reduced by
$100,000 to $2,118,000. We are very
grateful for the $1,973,000 we have
received in pledges. We still need about
$145,000 to meet this year’s pledge
budget.
We are committed to working as a
group and communicating better with
the congregation about the financial
needs of our church.
My prayer is that God will bless and
guide as we move toward our future.
8
DESCRIPTION
2014 Budget
2015 Budget
2014-­2015 VAR$
Budget%
REVENUE
Gross Regular Pledges
Less: Unpaid Regular Pledges
Net Regular Pledges
$ 2,218,000 $ 2,118,000 $ 100,000
(66,000) (63,000) (3,000)
2,152,000
2,055,000
97,000
Prior Year Payments
Total Pledge Revenue
16,000
2,168,000
15,000
2,070,000
1,000
98,000
94%
95%
Sanctuary Offerings
Fee Supported Ministries
Education Ministries
Facilities & Administration
Other Ministries
Foundation Annual Gift
Special Gifts
Other Revenue
Grand Total Revenue
110,000
1,831,129
30,709
2,300
207,216
53,000
227,479
70,400
4,700,233
115,000
1,946,511
18,985
2,300
262,134
56,000
100,000
105,477
4,676,406
(5,000)
(115,382)
11,724
-­‐
(54,918)
(3,000)
127,479
(35,077)
23,826
105%
106%
62%
100%
127%
106%
44%
150%
99%
EXPENSES
Fee Supported Ministries
Education Ministries
Facilities & Administration
Other Ministries
Program Salaries & Benefits
Grand Total Expenses
1,637,055
58,624
860,498
576,662
1,567,394
1,727,351
42,296
807,610
519,301
1,579,849
4,700,233 4,676,406
(90,296)
16,328
52,889
57,361
(12,455)
23,826
106%
72%
94%
90%
101%
99%
Net Revenue & Expenses
-­‐
95%
95%
95%
0
First Community Church
Budgeted Financial Statement for December 31, 2014
Summary Statement of Activity
DESCRIPTION
100.00%
ANNUAL BUDGET
YTD BUDGET
YTD ACTUAL
VAR$
Budget%
REVENUE
Gross Regular Pledges
Less: Unpaid Regular Pledges
Net Regular Pledges
$ 2,218,000
$2,021,805
($178,195.42)
(66,000) (66,000) -­
2,152,000 2,152,000 2,021,805
$2,218,000
66,000
(112,195)
91%
0%
94%
Prior Year Payments
Total Pledge Revenue
16,000
2,168,000
16,000
2,168,000
10,639
2,032,444
(5,361)
(117,556)
66%
94%
Sanctuary Offerings
Fee Supported Ministries
Education Ministries
Facilities & Administration
Other Ministries
Foundation Annual Gift
Supplemental Gift
Other Revenue
Grand Total Revenue
110,000
1,831,129
30,709
2,300
207,216
53,000
216,479
81,400
4,700,233
110,000
1,831,129
30,709
2,300
207,216
53,000
216,479
81,400
4,700,233
109,335
1,888,804
15,986
1,587
206,872
56,000
172,000
82,657
4,565,685
(665)
57,675
(14,723)
(713)
(344)
3,000
(44,479)
1,257
(134,548)
99%
103%
52%
69%
100%
106%
79%
102%
97%
EXPENSES
Fee Supported Ministries
Education Ministries
Facilities & Administration
Other Ministries
Program Salaries & Benefits
Grant Total Expenses
1,637,055
58,624
860,498
576,662
1,567,394
4,700,233
1,637,055
58,624
860,498
576,662
1,567,394
4,700,233
1,660,468
41,677
874,865
488,422
1,577,749
4,643,182
23,413
(16,946)
14,367
(88,240)
10,355
(57,051)
101%
71%
102%
85%
101%
99%
Net Revenue & Expenses
$ -­
$ -­
$ (77,497) $ (77,497)
March 1 - 31, 2015
Church Gifts (continued)
On We Go
Friends of Music
In Honor of:
Ron Jenkins
Nancy Colley
Lindsey Dunleavy
Ken & Becky Snider
Sarah Lewis Martin
Chris & Megan Potts
Music
Tom & Pam Stewart
Ralph & Jane Setterlin
Jane & George Smith
Jean Verwohlt
In Memory of:
Ruth McNeal
Jason & Camille Milligan
J. Thomas & Kathleen Jones
Richard Wood, Sr.
Donna & Dan Donovan
JoAnn Sinclair
Sallie Davis Bethge
Marcia Early
Janet McCutcheon
Lynn Ayres
Jinny Frick
Bobbie Reynolds
Bruce & Denise Pontious
Jones Middle School Staff
George & Cory Wilson
Dick & Debbi Wood
Lynne Wengrow
Ken & Becky Snider
Michael & Betsy Miely
Sherry Barger
Barbara Keneipp
Wes & Karen Patterson
Nancy Burtch
Wes & Karen Patterson
Virginia Frick
Helen & BordenHively
Kit Hively Schmauch
Eugene McVey
Kelley Heffernan
Frank Lanaman
Iola (Tommie) Lanaman
Uncle Ralph
Susan Cadwallder Day
Rebecca Veach
Terry & Charlotte Walther
Paul & Sandy Anderson
We Would Fit Right In
Easter Flowers
Help decorate First Community
Church for Easter Sunday with lilies
and other spring flowers. Stop by the
Worship & Arts table after worship
on Sundays, March 8 – 29 or send a
check for $10 for each plant to:
The Worship & Arts Council
First Community Church
1320 Cambridge Blvd.
Columbus, OH 43212
Donations may also be made online
at FCchurch.com on the home page.
Place your order by Palm Sunday,
March 29.
Flowers paid for may be picked up
following the 10 am service at North
Campus or the 11:30 am service at
South Campus on Easter Sunday.
March 1 - 31, 2015
–– The Reverend Mr. Paul E. Baumer, Minister to the Staff
Ready for some more church history? To continue
the story of the United Church of Christ, we pick
up the little known, not well documented, but
intriguing history of the Christian Church roots of the
United Church of Christ (UCC).
While most churches in the new United States
were transplants from Europe, a group of churches
developed brand new. Most often they were led by a
charismatic person with good intentions.
In Virginia, James O’Kelly founded a democratic
Methodist church, at first calling themselves Republican Methodists because they
opposed a church hierarchy. They then called themselves The Christian Church
because they wanted a name which implied democracy, non-creedal faith, and
parity of laity and clergy.
In New England, Abner Jones formed the Free Christian Church, pretty much on
the same basis as O’Kelly’s church, and required only “Christian character” as the
requirement for church membership.
And in Kentucky, Barton Stone and followers withdrew from the Presbyterian
Church and formed their Christian Church. They soon spread into Ohio, Indiana
and Illinois. (Some of these churches would then follow Alexander Campbell as
he formed the Christian Church - Disciples of Christ, which became the largest
Protestant Church in the nation and is a working partner today with the UCC.)
Somehow, over the years, the above groups found each other, decided that as
Christians they should get together, and in 1820 formed the United General
Conference of Christians, and then changed their name to The Christian Church.
Their openness of belief, practice of democratic polity, and emphasis on education
brought them into relationship with the Congregational Churches, and in 1931
they merged to form the General Council of Congregational Christian Churches.
And the table was set for the forming of the United Church of Christ.
That bit of history is for another column to come. But have you noticed how all
the above seems to be describing who we are at First Community Church? Amen
and amen.
Online Lenten Devotional
First Community Church staff and spiritual guides will again provide daily Lenten
devotionals you may access online at FCchurch.com/lent from Ash Wednesday,
February 18 through Easter Sunday, April 5.
These daily devotionals linked to scripture are written by our clergy, program
and general staff, and our resident spiritual directors and guides and provide a
wonderful way to begin or end each day of Lent with a unique spiritual message
and can support, or be the basis of, a daily spiritual practice.
9
Care and Spirit
A Special Life and Spirit
–­– The Reverend Mr. James M. Long, Minister of Pastoral Care
I first encountered Dr. Marcus Borg when he
came to our church as part of our Spiritual
Searcher program. In preparation for his coming,
we studied Jesus: A New Vision which he later
condensed into Meeting Jesus Again for the First
Time for a broader audience. He was part of what
was known as the Jesus Seminar, a wide variety
of biblical scholars seeking to establish a clearer
picture of the historical Jesus behind the scriptures.
While this endeavor was controversial in the wider
church, it has been formally and informally part of
Biblical studies since the Enlightenment. Scholars
had used historical methodology to distinguish between the Jesus of history and
the Christ of faith. This quest has been abandoned and renewed at different
times and the distinction itself has been questioned.
Our church has always been open to new ideas, as reflected by our Spiritual
Searcher Program. We have for many years used the insights of biblical studies,
theology, psychology, spirituality, and religion as we sought to more fully
understand ourselves and our world in light of our faith tradition. Marcus Borg,
like some other scholars in the Jesus Seminar, taught at a state university or the
“academy,” rather than in a theological school or seminary. Thus, some of his
peers approached the issues academically without much reference to the church
or religion or spirituality, but Marcus Borg was different. He was raised in the
Lutheran tradition and later became an Episcopalian. He also seemed to be more
“spiritual” or “mystical” in his personal faith, even as he took on the hard issues
raised about traditional Christianity by the Jesus Seminar and other scholars. He
was writing for the church and out of his sense that we needed a “new vision”
which addressed a new reality.
This became increasingly clear to me as I read The God We Never Knew and later
The Heart of Christianity. The latter in particular made the best case I know for
a balanced Christianity in light of new scholarship and understandings of our
faith and world. For example, he said consistently that he was a Christian, but
not an “exclusive” one. As such, he did not have to deny the truth in other
faith traditions or say that their adherents were “lost” in order to follow the way
of Jesus Christ. He also makes clear that Christianity is not just about personal
religious practice and piety, but calls us to renew our civic and corporate life as
well. It is a false dichotomy to choose between personal faith and social justice.
It is not “either/or,” but “both/and.” Contemplation and action are related.
My academic advisor at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio (MTSO), Dr.
Robert Tannehill, taught Biblical Studies at the seminary and later was Academic
Dean. He told his students that the study of the Bible invariably leads us to
think theologically. In other words, it is not enough to know the scriptures, but
we also need to think deeply about our faith and the questions raised by those
scriptures. Marcus Borg began writing as a biblical scholar, but his later works
were theological, helping the church renew its faith and practice in a new century.
He made difficult and challenging issues understandable and accessible to
others. He did this without rancor or personal malice. He helped us hear things
that we otherwise could not have heard.
To me, he was an “apologist” for the Christian faith in the best sense of that
word. He did not make excuses for, or attack, the faith. He simply made a
reasoned explanation and defense of a renewed faith in a new reality.
Peace and blessings,
10 Parish Register
We share the joys and sorrows of our
church family in our prayers.
(As of February 15, 2015)
Births
Peyton Michael Gehring-Burns 12/10/14
Son of Jen Burns and Chris Gehring
Hospitalizations
Elizabeth “Libby” Switz
Daughter of Erin Paider & Rob Switz
Catherine “Kay” Graf
Richard “Dick” Rohrer
Deaths
James H “Jim” Davis 1/2/2015
John Hartwell 1/22/2015
Husband of Gloria Hartwell
Ferne Arnett 1/23/2015
Mother of Sharon Arnett
Grandmother of Maximus Arnett
Nancy Burtch 1/26/2015
Wife of John “Jack” Burtch
Mother of Kelly Dusseau (Chris), Annie Stair (Jim), Molly & Maggie Burtch
Grandmother of Henry, Max and Bryce Dusseau, Jack and Parker Stair
Ruth McNeal 1/29/2015
Mother of Debbi (Dick) Wood, the late Nancy (Jack) Burtch
Grandmother of Kelly Dusseau (Chris), Annie Stair (Jim), Molly Burtch, Maggie Burtch, Carolyn Snyder (Brian), Sarah Wood
Great-grandmother of Henry, Max and Bryce Dusseau, Jack and Parker Stair
Sherry Barger 1/31/15
Wife of Jack Barger
Mother of Jason Barger (Amy) and Michael Barger (Carolyn)
Sister of Diane Keeler
Grandmother of Will, Benton, Brooke, Layla, and Sophia Barger
Douglas Howard 2/1/2015
Step-father of Marti Post (Steve)
Grandfather of Marisen & Carson Post
Dorothy Barrett 2/2/2015
Sister of Robert Holland, Sr (Barb)
Aunt of Robert Holland, Jr (Molly)
Sherwood Fawcett 2/3/2015
Husband of Martha Fawcett
Bruce Sanders 2/4/2015
Son of the late Art & Vi Sanders
Rita Akins 2/5/2015
Rebecca Veach 2/10/2015
Mother of Timothy Veach (Christina Kirk)
Tom Sutphen 2/13/2015
Husband of Tamea Sutphen
Lynn Hawley Bryant 2/14/2015
Daughter of Chet Hawley
Sister of Phil (Jody) Hawley
Aunt of Lauren (Andrew) Norelli
Justin Harmeyer 2/14/2015
Brother of Jill (Andy) Snyder
Uncle of Thomas & Zoe
March 1 - 31, 2015
Life Line Screening
First Community Church is pleased
to offer Life Line Screening, a leading
provider of community-based
preventive health screenings, who will
host their affordable, non-invasive and
painless health screenings on March 20.
Five screenings will be offered that
scan for potential health problems
related to: blocked arteries which is
a leading cause of stroke; abdominal
aortic aneurysms which can lead to
a ruptured aorta; hardening of the
arteries in the legs which is a strong
predictor of heart disease; atrial
fibrillation or irregular heart beat which
is closely tied to stroke risk; and a bone
density screening, for men and women,
used to assess the risk of osteoporosis.
Register for a Wellness Package
which includes 4 vascular tests and
osteoporosis screening from $149
($139 with our member discount). All
five screenings take 60-90 minutes to
complete. To register and to receive a
$10 discount off any package priced
above $129, please call 1-888-6536441 or visit lifelinescreening.com/
community-partners
Red Cross Blood Drive
Wednesday, March 18, 1 to 7 pm
Brownlee Hall, South Campus
Why does giving blood feel good?
Your donation could save 3 lives!
Register at redcross.org/blood and
enter our sponsor code: FCCSC.
Or, contact Paula Russell at 614
488.0681 ext. 228 or prussell@
FCchurch.com
March Daily Readings
These Bible readings are from the Revised Common Lectionary
Daily Readings. In general, readings on Thursday, Friday and
Saturday are selected to prepare for the Sunday reading; readings
on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are selected to reflect the
Sunday lectionary.
1 (Sunday) Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 Psalm 22:23-31
Romans 4:13-25
Mark 8:31-38
2
Genesis 21:1-7
Hebrews 1:8-12
3
Genesis 22:1-19
Hebrews 11:1-3, 13-19
4
Jeremiah 30:12-22 John 12:36-43
5
Exodus 19:1-9a
1 Peter 2:4-10
6
Exodus 19:9b-15
Acts 7:30-40
7
Exodus 19:16-25
Mark 9:2-8
8 (Sunday) Exodus 20:1-17
Psalm 19
1 Corinthians 1:18-25 John 2:13-22
9
1 Kings 6:1-4, 21-22 1 Corinthians 3:10-23
10
2 Chronicles 29:1-11, 16-19 Hebrews 9:23-28
11
Ezra 6:1-16
Mark 11:15-19
12
Genesis 9:8-17
Ephesians 1:3-6
13
Daniel 12:5-13
Ephesians 1:7-14
14
Numbers 20:22-29
John 3:1-13
15 (Sunday) Numbers 21:4-9
Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22
Ephesians 2:1-10
John 3:14-21
16
Exodus 15:22-27
Hebrews 3:1-6
17
Numbers 20:1-13
1 Corinthians 10:6-13
18
Isaiah 60:15-22
John 8:12-20
19
Isaiah 30:15-18
Hebrews 4:1-13
20
Exodus 30:1-10
Hebrews 4:14—5:4
21
Habakkuk 3:2-13
John 12:1-11
22 (Sunday)
Jeremiah 31:31-34 Psalm 51:1-12
Hebrews 5:5-10
John 12:20-33
23
Isaiah 43:8-13
2 Corinthians 3:4-11
24
Isaiah 44:1-8
Acts 2:14-24
25
Haggai 2:1-9, 20-23
John 12:34-50
26
Deuteronomy 16:1-8 Philippians 2:1-11
27
Jeremiah 33:1-9
Philippians 2:12-18
28
Jeremiah 33:10-16
Mark 10:32-34, 49-52
29 (Palm/Passion Sunday)
Liturgy of the Palms Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
Mark 11:1-11
Liturgy of the Passion Isaiah 50:4-9a Philippians 2:5-11
Psalm 31:9-16 Mark 14:1—15:47
30
Isaiah 42:1-9
Hebrews 9:11-15
Psalm 36:5-11
John 12:1-11
31
Isaiah 49:1-7
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Psalm 71:1-14
John 12:20-36
Heart to Heart Food Pantry Totals
Unique Volunteers = 30
*Mid-Ohio Foodbank
March 1 - 31, 2015
April - Canned Fruits/Vegetables
Year-to-Date:
For January 2014:
Food Collected at South = 115 lbs.
Food Collected at North = 35 lbs.
Food Collected at Annex = 40 lbs.
Food from MOFB* = 2,958 lbs.
Food from Giant Eagle = 5,515 lbs.
Donation Needs: March - Shelf Milk
Households served..........................296
Individuals served............................930
Children served............................299
Adults served................................503
Seniors served..............................128
Meals provided.............................8,370
Households served..........................296
Individuals served............................930
Children served............................299
Adults served................................503
Seniors served..............................128
Meals provided.............................8,370
Heart to Heart offers a helping hand and caring heart in times of need.
11
The Infinite Quest
Marcus and Me:
May His Memory Be A Blessing
April 2015 Spiritual Salon
Dharma & Karma:
A Closer Examination
–­– The Reverend Mr. David S. Hett, Minister of Religious Life and Learning
I would have loved Marcus Borg even if I hadn’t
had the great honor of getting to know him
through his three Spiritual Searcher visits and email
correspondence. I loved him for unashamedly and
courageously bringing a necessary revisioning of
Christianity to the world. (See the accompanying
“What’s It All About, Marcus.”)
He was like an older brother in a Christian faith and
theology that transcended Christian dogma and
American cultural Christianity. He was, in fact, 8
years older than me just like my biological oldest
brother, Barry. And like Barry, who died four years ago, Marcus died much too
young at 72 years of age.
Our religious journeys had many parallels as well. We both grew up regularly
attending Midwestern Protestant churches and Sunday School, learning all the
typical stuff for 1950s kids in confirmation class, while really never thinking
about it, or worrying about it, all that much.
For both of us, college challenged and changed our consciousness, me through
the Peace Movement and the prophetic voices of King, Coffin and the Berrigans.
Marcus, interested in science, took a “Christian Doctrine” class in college, and
it changed him as he learned that the prophets were not fortune-tellers
predicting Jesus, but instead, were “about God’s passion, God’s desire, God’s
dream, God’s yearning for the transformation of this world to a world of greater
economic justice.”
For both of us, “mystical experiences” completed the “conversion,” Marcus in this
30s, me more prematurely. He describes these direct experiences of the “More” in
his later writings, and they completed his rejection of the notion of a “supernatural
theistic God” and embrace “panentheism,” or the realization that God is better
thought of as the “More in whom we live and move and have our being.”
With that realization, we both understood that Christianity is really about a
“way,” a way to live more and more fully in that capital “r” Reality, a way of
transformation. “Jesus,” writes Marcus, “is the incarnation of a universal way’—
universal in the sense that Christianity is not an exclusive path to the Divine:
Progressive Christians affirm that ‘the way’ revealed in Jesus is also known in other
enduring religious traditions. Christianity does not have a monopoly on God or religion.
There are many valuable quotes in Marcus’ words and writing, but I close this
tribute to my brother, Marcus, with this one from his book Jesus. It restates
something he said to us in his first visit to our church 15 years ago, and has
served to define my ministry:
Churches are to be communities of transformation. This means being communities
of resocialization. Most of [my] readers…have been socialized into modern Western
culture, and most of us into American culture in particular. To be Christian is to be
resocialized into a different understanding of reality and way of life — to live in
relationship to another Lord and vision… Being Christian doesn’t mean being antiAmerican, but it does mean that Christian identity and loyalty matter more than
national identity and loyalty. When there is a conflict, Jesus is Lord. The church is the
community that proclaims, incubates, and nourishes the lordship of Christ.”
12 Dharma and karma are
with Dr.
Jiten Ruparel
foundational concepts in
Dr. Jiten Ruparel
Hinduism that have become
core beliefs in three other
Asian traditions: Buddhism,
Jainism and Sikhism.
Save the Date
Founder of Vedanta Circle,
Retired Ohio State
University & Otterbein
University Professor
Tuesday, April 28
Tuesday, April 28
7 - 9 pm
Dr. Ruparel presents an
opportunity to better
understand these concepts
that are now part of the belief
structure of many westerners
who were not born into these
great traditions.
FCchurch.com/ruparel
First Community Church
Brownlee Hall, South Campus
1320 Cambridge Blvd.
Columbus, OH 43212
614 488.0681 ext. 151 (voicemail only)
Information & Registration:
FCchurch.com/ruparel
‘What’s It All
About, Marcus?’
Free-will offering to support these
and other programs of Religious Life
& Learning at First Community Church.
In his final book, Convictions:
How I Learned What Matters Most
(HarperOne, 2014), Marcus J. Borg
answers the question posed by the
1960s song, “What’s It All About,
Alfie?” in this way:
What’s it all about? What’s life all
about? What’s Christianity all about?
What’s salvation all about?
My answer to that question
now, my conviction now: “it”—
Christianity and salvation—is about
transformation this side of death.
The natural effect of growing up,
beginning in childhood, is that we fall
into bondage to cultural messages
and conventions; experience
separation and exile from the one
in whom we live and move and
have our being; become blinded by
habituated ways of seeing and live
in the dark, even dead in the midst
of life; and hunger and thirst for
something more. Salvation is about
liberation, reconnection, seeing anew,
acceptance, and the satisfaction of
our deepest yearnings. Christianity
at its best—like all of the enduring
religions of the world at their best—is
a path of transformation.
Amen, Marcus. Rest in peace, good
and faithful servant.
March 1 - 31, 2015
Weekly Adult Learning Groups
Classes are free except where noted and open to the public. Books used for classes are available at Furber Books. For information
on books, registration or financial aid, contact Natalia at [email protected] or 614 488.0681 ext. 151 (voicemail only).
For more details on specific classes, go to FCchurch.com, search: Adult Learning.
Sunday Morning Seminar - The class completes John Dominic Crossans’
“Challenge of Jesus” video-group discussion series. On March 8th we will begin
exploring more of the ideas of our Spiritual Searcher speaker, Bishop Spong. The
series will be video based and will include material from his Chautauqua lecture
series. No advanced preparation needed, and drop-ins welcome as you can make
it. Please join us for stimulating conversations on Sunday mornings.
Sundays, 9:30 – 10:45 am
Wicker Room, South Campus
Tuesday at Ten & Tai Chi - Tuesday at 10 will be continuing the series of videos
and discussions on Sacred Spaces. People are welcome to join us at any time
whether you began with the series or are picking up part way through as each
discussion will focus on what our own Sacred Spaces are. Also, before Tuesday
at 10, Sally Kriska will be leading a Tai Chi for Balance. Although the focus is on
Seniors, anyone is welcome. You do not have to be a member of Tuesday at 10,
but are welcome to join us if you wish. Walter Watkins, Pete and Pidge Diehl
facilitate the series. All are welcome, old, new, male, female.
Tuesdays, 10 – 11:30 am
Wicker Room, South Campus
Men’s Study Group - The group continues a discussion on John Shelby Spong’s
The Fourth Gospel: Tales of a Jewish Mystic. Men are always welcome to join us at
any time. Contact Price Finley at 614 488.7978 or [email protected], or Craig
Sturtz at 614 481.9060 or [email protected] Wednesdays, 7 – 8 am
Wicker Room, South Campus
Wednesday Morning Fellowship - Presentations and discussion of leadingedge topics. Ends promptly at 8 am. Upcoming speakers include: March 4, Paula
Russell: Membership Trends; March 11, Fazeel Khan, Issues Facing Islam; March 18,
Lamar Graham, the Heart to Heart food pantry and ministry; March 25, TBA.
Wednesdays, 7 – 8 am
Brownlee Hall, South Campus
Women Living the Questions - In March the group continues to read and discuss
Bishop John Shelby Spong’s recent book, Eternal Life-A New Vision Beyond Religion,
Beyond Theism, Beyond Heaven and Hell. We also support reading with teaching
videos by Bishop Spong. We will include a period of quiet contemplation.
Contact Linda Baldeck at [email protected] or 614 459.0722.
Wednesdays, 9:30 – 11:30 am
Wicker Room, South Campus
Wednesday Evening Bible Study - A time to study scripture and pray. Led by
Rev. Jim Long. Open to all.
Wednesdays, 7 – 8:15 pm
Conference Room, North Campus
Contemplative Way Group 1 - A time of sacred reading--Teresa of Avila’s Interior
Castle; 30-minute meditation time; and reflection & discussion. Facilitated by
Rev. David Hett and other spiritual directors. Free-will offering. Drop-ins and new
participants welcome.
Thursdays, 11:45 am – 1 pm
Wicker Room, South Campus
Faith & Reason - The group will be completing John Dominic Crossan’s Challenge
of Jesus video-group discussion series. From March 12 the group will focus on
exploring more of the ideas of our Spiritual Searcher speaker John Shelby Spong.
The series will be video based and will include material from his Chautauqua
lecture series. No advance reading necessary; however we will address topics
included in his March lectures and use the videos to get more detail about some
of his interpretative proposals. Facilitated by Walter Watkins, Adult Education
Coordinator.
Thursdays, 7 – 8:15 pm
North Campus, Room 111
Saturday Morning Contemplative Way Group - Sacred reading of Mirabai
Starr’s newest book, a translation of The Showing of Julian of Norwich; 30-minute
meditation and time for reflection & discussion. Facilitated by Rose Konrath,
Spiritual Searcher committee, and Vickie Murphy, Spiritual Director. Free-will
offering. Drop-ins and new participants welcome.
Saturdays, 10 – 11:15 am
Spiritual Guidance Room,
South Campus Annex
March 1 - 31, 2015
Tai Chi begins at 9:30 am
Brownlee Hall, South Campus
13
Bishop Spong in His Own Words
n By Rev. David Hett
Bishop John Shelby Spong, opening our 26th year of Spiritual Searchers, will open
your mind and heart to a life-renewing definition of Jesus and the Christian path of
transformation.
Retired Episcopal Bishop Spong is an elder in American Christianity, and yet one
of the freshest minds and clearest-speaking proponents of a vision of Jesus and
religion that addresses scientific and spiritual wisdom for the 21st Century.
“I’m more deeply committed to my Christ and to my faith than ever before,” said
Bishop Spong on completion of his 24th book, The Fourth Gospel: Tales of a Jewish
Mystic. “My commitment is, however, to a new understanding of both the Christ
and Christianity. I am increasingly drawn to a Christianity that has no separating
barriers and that does not bind me into the creeds of antiquity. … I have no
desire to find certainty or to embrace religious security. I choose rather to live in
the unbounded joy of embracing the radical insecurity that is the nature of human
life and by doing so to discover that I am in fact walking the Christ path. “
“I see a new paradigm arising in Christianity and I try to speak to that new
paradigm and to ground it in the tradition,” says Bishop Spong about his
message. And he spells out both his task and his conclusions in these statements
that follow:
I write for those people who have engaged the knowledge revolution in science
over the last 600 years and for those who are not afraid of the current modern
understanding of the Bible, which has been developed in the last 200-500 years.
I write for those who have long ago dismissed traditional Christianity as simply
irrelevant in the modern world. I write to open to them radically new Christian
possibilities. I write to invite them to take a second look at the faith of their
fathers and mothers, which they have today largely rejected and to begin to see
something in Christianity that they have never seen before.
The fact is that I do believe in God deeply and profoundly, but I cannot tell you
either who God is or what God is. Nor do I think that anyone else can do so either.
All any of us can ever do is to tell others how we believe we have experienced God:
• I believe that I experience God as the “Source of Life,” which while flowing
through the universe, only comes to self-consciousness in human beings. If
God is the Source of Life then I must worship God by my willingness to live, to
live fully. When I live fully, I believe I make God, the Source of Life, visible.
• I believe I experience God as the “Source of Love,” which also flows through
the universe, but which, once again, comes to self-consciousness only in
human beings. If God is the Source of Love then the only way I can worship
God is by loving, loving wastefully. When I love beyond all barriers I believe I
make God, the Source of Love visible.
• I believe I experience God as the “Ground of all Being,” to borrow a phrase
made popular by the German theologian Paul Tillich, who was my primary
early theological mentor. This means that the more that I have the courage
to be all that I am capable of being the more I make the God, who is the
“Ground of Being,” visible.
Finally, I am a Christian, not because I believe the mythological understandings
of the past in some literal way, but because I see in Jesus the very dimensions of
my experience of God. I see in him a life so fully lived that he reveals to me the
“Source of Life;” a love so wastefully shared that he reveals to me the “Source of
Love,” and one who has the courage to be all that he was meant to be, revealing
to me the God who is the “Ground of Being.” Yes, I can and do join with Paul and
proclaim without equivocation and with integrity that “God was in Christ.”
14 Bishop John Shelby Spong
Jesus for 21st
Century Seekers
Friday, March 6, 7 – 8:30 pm
Saturday, March 7, 9 am – 12:30 pm
Grace Hall, North Campus
Bishop Spong also preaching at
Worship Services, Sunday, March 8:
A different sermon at each of
9:45 am North & 11 am South
FCchurch.com/spong
Next Film Group
Adult Learning Council
Film Discussion Group
Friday, March 13
Pizza at 6 pm; Film at 6:30 pm
Wicker Room, South Campus
Gail Evans facilitates this month’s
discussion following the showing of
Mao’s Last Dancer.
Synopsis:
A stirring,
inspiring film
based on a
true story
of a young
Chinese
peasant
boy whose
talent was
recognized
at an early
age. He was plucked from his rural
school and taken to be trained as
a professional dancer. Through
breathtaking talent and sheer
determination he beats impossible
odds to become a world-renowned
dancer who comes to the US and
risks everything by falling in love
with an American girl. Please RSVP to Jennie Nickel for
the movie and pizza by Thursday,
March 12 at jnickel@columbus.
rr.com or 614 529.9930
March 1 - 31, 2015
Women’s Guild
n By Jill Eliot
A March Membership Story
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn,
the more places you’ll go.” by Dr. Seuss, from I Can Read With My Eyes Shut.
The thing you need to know is that the New Members’ event has been
rescheduled for March 21 at the Mill Run Panera from 2 - 4 pm. You are invited to
join us to learn more about First Community’s largest women’s group. There will
be tables at North and South Campuses containing posters and flyers. Estelle Scott
is requesting help at the tables on these dates: North: March 1, 8 and 15. Help at
South is needed on March 8 and 15. For more information please call Estelle Scott
at 614 580.5769 or [email protected]
Guild Group Stories Continue
On December 5, 1967, a group of women, some new members and some
longtime members of the church gathered at the home of the late Lee Yeager
Rinker, President of the Women’s Guild, for the purpose of creating a new guild
group. Because the year was 1967, the number “7” was chosen and a new Group
was born. Since that day, the ladies have become a network of close, caring friends
whose mission is service to First Community Church, the greater community and
the world. There are 40 Active Members, 21 Associate Members and 2 Honorary
Members. Mary Ann Krauss is the current chairperson. Their service to others has included a broad range from First Community Village
(currently, a Valentine Party), donations of layette items to Church Women
United, to Heart to Heart, feeding the homeless, redecorating the Bride’s room
to refurbishing Zell Chapel. Monetary donations have been made to Deep Griha,
Camp Akita, Heart to Heart, the Guild Room renovation and to the chapel at First
Community Village.
Strong support of Rafiki has benefited AIDS orphans in Kenya in several ways. In
addition, the group has always stood ready to reach out to group members with
food and support at times of special needs or illness.
Monthly luncheon meetings are held and in addition an annual summer picnic
with husbands takes place. In the past, the group worked together on fundraising
projects, such as luncheon syle shows, creating and selling the first FCC roster,
selling various items such as Christmas ornaments, Easter bunnies, copper roses,
throws and contributing raffle items for monthly meetings. A Friendship Tea and
auction was held for 25 years which enabled the group to reach a higher level of
giving.
In 1992 the membership voted to establish a donor-directed endowment fund
with an initial donation of $1,000 earned at the Friendship Tea. Monies were to be
held in the First Community Foundation.
In 2003 the members agreed to increase dues and use a portion to augment the
Foundation Fund rather than continue annual fundraisers. In 2014, the group
created a challenge match of $5000 to be used to “Raise the Roof for Rafiki.” The
total contribution was $11,637 for a roof on the clinic.
A highlight on September 28, 2008 was the formal ordination of member
Deborah Countiss Lindsay as a minister in the United Church of Christ. Deborah’s
late mother, Annette Countiss, was an early member of Group 7. Through
Annette’s example the tone was set to promote the close friendships that 44 years
would celebrate.
March 1 - 31, 2015
Brownlee Gallery
During the months of February and
March, our Brownlee Gallery is graced
with the rich, figurative art of Aida
Garrity. This collection of her paintings
reflects her passion for painting people
and places by capturing and exploring
their individual personalities, moods
and emotions.
Aida lives in Ohio and was educated in
Manchester and London, UK and lived
most of her life in England, Canada
and the USA. Aida received her Masters
in Fine Arts from the Academy of Art
University in San Francisco.
The Worship and Arts Council hopes
you will take some time to experience
the evocative work of this
accomplished artist.
Watch
First Edition
First Edition features the previous
week’s service on CW Columbus
(WWHO-TV) each Sunday at
11 am and Midnight.
Worship Live Stream
Sundays at 11 am
15
Mission Council Garage Sale
n By Beth Hanson
Mission Council’s 20th Annual Garage Sale is on the horizon.
Please mark your calendar for Friday, May 15 and Saturday,
May 16 (the weekend after Mother’s Day).
Rafiki Progress
n By Connie Hieatt
Big things continue to happen at the Rafiki Children’s Center
in Kikuyu Town, Kenya. First and foremost, the new school
bus was delivered in November. This was, in part, thanks to
the funds raised last June at the African Adventure fundraiser
held at First Community Church, as well as contributions
from Rotary clubs.
With the addition of the school bus, children in the
community now have safe, reliable transportation to school
and the tuition from these children generates income for the
Rafiki Academy. Currently the academy has grown to serve
230 children, grades pre-K through 8.
Guild 7, a major contributor funding the construction of the
original clinic, recently put up $5,000 of their money as a
challenge to the other Guilds to match their funds to “Raise
the Roof” on the open second floor of the clinic.
Two years ago, walls were added for a second floor to house
a dental clinic but there was insufficient funding to complete
it. The challenge was wildly successful and on January 6,
$10,745 was wired over to Rafiki to complete the project.
Dr. Terry Davis will be going to Rafiki in March and will
participate in the dedication of the roof and second floor
addition.
The Special Offering on Easter Sunday, April 5, will support
the Rafiki Children’s Center. Your generous contribution will
help continue this exceptional ministry.
To learn more about Rafiki and its many other programs and
projects, visit RafikiChildrenCenter.org
This project raises money for the many missions that our
church helps support such as the local Habitat for Humanity,
local homeless shelters, youth mission trips to Mexico and
the Dominican Republic, Mid-Ohio Foodbank, local refugee
settlement, Rafiki (in Kenya), our own Heart to Heart and
disaster relief around the globe. It takes an entire week to
set things up and get ready to sell our wares. Last year,
well over 360 volunteers pitched in. If you don’t have time
to volunteer, there are still many ways to participate in this
gigantic, fantastic undertaking:
1. Start saving items to donate.
2. Sign up to volunteer any time from Sunday, May
10, through Saturday, May 16. Jobs include moving
our donations from our Hilliard warehouse to North
Campus on Monday, May 11, setting up tables, sortingpricing-organizing-fixing-polishing-cleaning donations,
helping feed lunch to volunteers and working on the
parking crew. During the week, we are busy at North
Campus every day from 9am to 9 pm.
3. Donate supplies such as masking and packing tape,
garbage bags, Ziplock bags (all sizes), shopping bags
with handles, paper grocery bags, Sharpie pens, mailing
labels and skirt hangers.
4. Donate food to sell at our refreshment stand such as
soft drinks, home-baked goods, donuts, bottled water,
coffee and creamer.
5. Donate snacks or a Donato’s gift card for volunteer
lunches and refreshments during the week. Donato’s
cards can be purchased at the Mission Council grocery
card table after church services.
6. Make a small financial contribution to help us defray
expenses for things like supplies, tent & table rental,
advertising and truck rental.
We will begin accepting donations at North Campus on
Sunday, May 10 (Mother’s Day) from 2 - 6 pm. We have
almost filled our 1,700 square foot storage unit and are
looking for additional space so that we can accept more
furniture donations. Updated information about the
availability of storage space will be posted on the Missions
section of the church website along with a list of items we
will and will not accept.
If you have questions, please contact Beth Hanson at
614 488.6526 or [email protected]. Mission
Council will also have a Garage Sale Information table
after worship in April.
16 March 1 - 31, 2015
Refugee Task Force
More Than Collecting Coats
n By Carol Meyer
After donating hundreds of coats to the Refugee Task Force over the years, First
Community Church members may think the primary concern of the Task Force is
keeping new arrivals from Somalia, Iraq, and Nepal warm in blustery Columbus.
Be assured, the coats are welcomed and now worn by refugees, young and
old, who face challenges beyond the weather as they struggle with language,
employment and education in Columbus.
The Refugee Task Force helps refugees to cope with those struggles by assisting
with housing expenses, English classes, and covering costs not provided for
by resettlement agencies, such as apartment deposits, driving lessons and car
repairs. Although refugees receive services from resettlement agencies, it is never
enough for large families, single mothers with children and individual with health
issues. The Community Refugee and Immigration Service (CRIS), a Columbus
resettlement agency, works closely with the Task Force to identify those families
with special needs.
Most recently, we assisted a young Iraqi family with medical expenses as their 5
year old daughter’s severe disability and ongoing health complications exhausted
the family budget. The father, on hourly wages, must take considerable time off to
drive the family to therapies and emergency care. With the help of RTF tutors for
English, the mother has acquired a temporary driver’s license and is determined
to learn adequate English to get her license soon and take over driving to medical
appointments.
Siham, an Iraqi mother, with her new books
at a Refugee Task Force tutoring session.
Their situation is not unique as many
recent arrivals from Nepal, Somalia and
Iraq appear to have family members with
physical or mental disabilities, a result
of war or poor living conditions, which
makes resettlement difficult. Over the
past year, 600 new refugees have arrived
in Columbus along with more relocating
from other states. Their experiences vary
by country, but the outcome is shared.
They all had long established lives and
families in their home countries, were
forced from their homes to an unfamiliar
land and culture, and now seek to live
near each other.
This is true of the Bhutanese-Nepali whose numbers have swelled to more than
a thousand. In 1990, Bhutan ethnically cleansed southern Bhutan or people with
Nepali origins. Nepal did not accept this population and placed them in refugee
camps where families lived in deplorable conditions for years with minimal food
and shelter until resettlement was possible.
To help newly-arrived Bhutanese youth learn about American life, the Refugee
Task Force believed a week at Camp Akita might benefit their adjustment. Initially,
the Bhutanese were reluctant as “camp” had the negative connotation of severe
deprivation, but agreed to send 12 high school campers. It proved to be both fun
and beneficial for all, Bhutanese and American campers alike, as they interacted
and enjoyed each other. With your offering, the Task Force will send refugee youth
to Akita again this summer.
Please help us continue our legacy of commitment to refugees when you reflect
on your Easter offering (and save your coats for next winter’s collection).
March 1 - 31, 2015
Volunteer Spotlight
n By Helen Vivian
First Community Church programs,
events and outreach opportunities
are only successful because of the
enthusiastic work of our dedicated
volunteers. Thank you to all of our
volunteers who, each week, give their
time and energy to making the mission
and vision of First Community a reality.
Our Volunteer
of the Month
for March is Julie
Edmonds, a member
of Service Board,
2015 Membership
Council chair,
Women’s Retreat
committee member and member of
the Engagement Steering Committee
including the Connections subcommittee. She attends the 11 am
South Campus worship service.
Why Julie volunteers: “I love First
Community and the opportunity
to become a part of truly living the
mission of our church has been a
wonderful experience. The friends I
have met through volunteering are
precious to me. My first involvements
were with the Service Board and
Membership Council and I look forward
to connecting in other ways as well.”
What Paula Russell, Director of
Congregational Care, has to say
about Julie: After Julie joined in June
2013, she planted her new member
rose in a pot of dirt. The following
spring two roses bloomed. It is once
again sprouting. Just like her new
member rose, Julie has continued to
bloom into an active member of our
congregation.
Julie is a busy lady working as a
pharmacist at the James Cancer
Hospital. There are days she works
overtime, but that doesn’t deter her
from volunteering at First Community
Church. Her involvements on Service
Board and Membership Council have
been invaluable.
Do you know an outstanding volunteer
who should be featured in firstnews
Monthly? Please contact Helen Vivian,
Coordinator of Member and Volunteer
Engagement, at [email protected]
17
A MONTH OF SUNDAYS
1
A
8:30 am • Burkhart Chapel, SC - Rev. Shaner preaching
8:30 am • Grace Hall, NC - Dr. Wing preaching
9:45 am • Grace Hall, NC - Dr. Wing preaching
Chancel Choir, Youth Bell Choir 1
11 am • Sanctuary, SC - Dr. Wing preaching
Chancel Choir
8
BAPTISMS, DAYLIGHT SAVINGS
B
8:30 am • Burkhart Chapel, SC - Rev. Long preaching
8:30 am • Grace Hall, NC - Dr. Lindsay preaching
9:45 am • Grace Hall, NC - Bishop Spong preaching
Chancel Chamber Choir
11 am • Sanctuary, SC - Bishop Spong preaching
Chancel Choir
15
MEXICO COMMISSIONING
Third-Grade Bibles
C
8:30 am • Burkhart Chapel, SC - Dr. Lindsay preaching
8:30 am • Grace Hall, NC - Rev. Long preaching
9:45 am • Grace Hall, NC - Rev. Long preaching
Chancel Chamber Choir, K-12 Choirs
11 am • Sanctuary, SC - Dr. Lindsay preaching
Chancel Choir
22
A
GUILD SUNDAY
8:30 am • Burkhart Chapel, SC - Dr. Lindsay preaching
8:30 am • Grace Hall, NC - Dr. Wing preaching
Whitechapel Ringers
9:45 am • Grace Hall, NC - Dr. Wing preaching
Whitechapel Ringers
11 am • Sanctuary, SC - Dr. Wing preaching
Chancel Choir
29
8:30 am • Burkhart Chapel, SC - Rev. Shaner preaching
8:30 am • Grace Hall, NC - Dr. Wing preaching
9:45 am • Grace Hall, NC - Dr. Wing preaching
Chancel Chamber Choir
11 am • Sanctuary, SC - Dr. Wing preaching
Chancel Choir
A Usher assignments.
Click: FCchurch.com
Email: [email protected]
Call: 614 488.0681
Visit: The Welcome Center at North or South Campus
18 Joshua Ali, Marjorie Ann Allaire, Sophia Barger, Mary Kathryn
Basil, Maddie Black, Abby Black, Jesse Blake, Baxter Boerger,
Katelyn Breedlove, Emily Brown, Connor Canlas, Harrison
Burnside Carlisle, Brady Catalano, Edward Ford Clark IV,
Mason Garrett Dilley, Parker Elbaz, Andee Catherine Ely,
Allison Marie Friend, Morgan Lee Hartman, Allison Hinton
Gomez, Ethan Grunkemeyer, George Murray Happell,
Hannah K. Hiller, Austin Kennesaw Johnson, Clara Elizabeth
Jonaus, Bailey Marie Kearney, Brett Norman Kingsley, Skyler
Myers, Sammy Nicol, Mason Paider, Elliot Cash Pearson,
Jared Michael Rabadam, Isabella Rish, Annalise Roberts,
Andrew Ferguson Rucker, Evelyn Gael Schleappi, Nathaniel
David Schoeny, Tyler Shaw, Jacob Kelly Sines, Nicole Jolee
Taylor, Thomas Rhoades Whetzel
B
PALM SUNDAY
For additional information:
Congratulations to our third-graders who received their
Bibles in January. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Kathleen
M. Jones for personalizing the Bibles in calligraphy.
Miriam and Moses
Sunday, March 15 at the 9:45 am North Campus worship
service the K-12 vocal choirs will combine to present the
story of Miriam and Moses. With costumes, props, narration
and song the youth choirs will bring this Old Testament
lesson to life in this ten minute mini-musical. Please join us
for this special moment in worship written and directed by
Sally Beske. March 1 - 31, 2015
Sundays at 11 am
and Midnight on
The CW
WWHO-TV
Celebrate a
life event in
firstnews Monthly!
Sponsorships
begin at $19
Call 614 488.0681
ext. 227
campakita.org/akita5K
n By Scot Nicoll
The 6th annual Akita 5K Race and Family Fun Run will be
held in Fred Beekman Park at The Ohio State University on
Saturday, April 25. This event raises money for Friends of
Akita Fund, providing scholarships for campers who need
help paying for summer camp. We will have a bounce
house, a balloon artist and some friendly animals.
E A S T E R
Participants can run or walk the entire course themselves,
or team up with two additional family members or friends
and complete the course as a relay team. Each team
member completes one lap around the park, handing off
a relay baton to the next runner or walker. Kids can also
run or walk their very own one mile fun run.
SAT URDAY, APRIL 4 • 10 AM
Each participant will receive an official Akita 5K technical
shirt as well as a chip timer for accurate race times.
This event has helped to raise more than $20,000 in
scholarships. We hope to see you there.
8:30 am: Check-in begins
9:15 am: Children’s one mile fun run
9:30 am: 5K run/walk/relay starts
E G G
H U N T
EGGSTRAVAGANZA
North Campus • 3777 Dublin Road, Columbus, 43221
EGG HUNT - GAMES - MUSIC - EASTER BUNNY
$5 PER CHILD
all proceeds go to midweek missions
R.S.V. P. at F C C H U R C H . CO M
Place your sponsored message here. Call 614 488.0681 ext. 227
March 1 - 31, 2015
19
The Gifts of
Our Wounds
firstnews
Periodical Postage
PAID
at Columbus, Ohio
First Community Church
1320 Cambridge Boulevard
Columbus, OH 43212
An 8-week Support Group
for Adults Living with
Chronic Illness
April 12 - May 31
Sundays, 3 - 4:50 pm
Mindfulness meditation, nature retreat,
storytelling, emotional support, stress
management techniques and more.
Led by Jed Scott Swift, M.A.
Contact: 614-670-3209 or
[email protected]
Dated Material: Do Not Delay
First Community Church
South Campus
1320 Cambridge Boulevard
Columbus, OH 43212
614 488.0681
FAX 488.2763
,
FCchurch.com
North Campus
3777 Dublin Road
Columbus, OH 43221
614 488.0681
FAX 777.4098
[email protected]
THE PROGRAM STAFF OF FIRST COMMUNITY CHURCH Richard A. Wing, Senior Minister; Paul E. Baumer, Minister to the Staff; David S.
Hett, Minister of Religious Life and Learning; Ronald J. Jenkins, Minister of Music
and Liturgy; Deborah Countiss Lindsay, Minister of Spiritual Care; James M. Long,
Minister of Pastoral Care; Katherine H. Shaner, Minister of Mission; Mary Beth Aeh,
Director of Early Childhood Ministry; Michael Barber, Director of Marketing and
Communications, Sally R. Beske, Assistant Organist/Director of Youth Choirs; Tim
Carlson, Director of Camp Akita Ministries and Youth Programming; Dawn J. Costin,
Director of K-12 Ministry; Cynthia Harsany, Director of Finance and Operations; Pam
Jameson, Director of Facilities Ministry; Bobbi Mueller, Director of Office Operations
and Special Projects; Scot Nicoll, Executive Director of Camp Akita; Missy Obergefell,
Director of Older Adult Ministry; Paula L. Russell, Director of Member and Visitor
Services; Lauri Speight Sullivan, Director of First Community Foundation.
No matter who you
are or where you are
on life’s journey, you
are welcome here.
Affiliated with The United Church of Christ and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)