By Michael Barber

The act of generously giving to one’s church takes on a variety of names depending on country, culture and denomination. The French refer to this gift as la dime, while the Islamic faith celebrates Zakat or “alms giving.”

In much of the western world it is called a tithe, pledge or contribution.

There is one universal word, however, upon which all churches can agree.

Necessary.

At First Community Church, this vital gift is not only appreciated and put to good use, but also required for the continuation of important programs – those which all members enjoy.

In addition to covering basic operating expenses, a portion of every dollar received benefits music and media, children and adult education, missions and facilities.

Some may surmise it unnecessary to pledge to the general offering, rather give directly to specific programs of interest. “Although there are special programs that a member might focus on, an awareness of the broader need can bring fulfillment in making a difference in many areas,” said Cindy Harsany, Director of Finance and Operations. “Giving to the operating budget is like a chain reaction of life-changing experiences.”

614 488.0681 FCchurch.com September 1 - 30, 2012 Vol. 58 No. 9

There is no such thing as an insignificant gift to the church. Every pledge is meaningful and represents an

acknowledgement of the many opportunities we have to worship, learn and care for others.” — Paula Russell“

RafikiUpdate

Pages 14 & 15

Fall Worship Schedule

Page 3 Page 2

First Edition moves to WWHO-TV

Monthlyfirstnews

September Marks Beginning of Two-Year Pledge Campaign

There is no doubt that the gift of financial support to the church should be an experience that is mutually beneficial, voluntary and cheerful. “Giving is something that brings life to a person,” Cindy said. “It is a gift all its own. It can and should be a moving experience that brings joy.”

In an effort to help stabilize the operating budget for future planning, the church has chosen to launch a unique, two-year pledge campaign in September.

Members can look forward to receiving their pledge letters by mail with a goal of 100% participation before September 30.

It is also possible to complete a pledge card online by visiting FCchurch.com/pledge.

Paula Russell, Director of Membership, makes a point that the church acknowledges and appreciates all gifts, regardless of the amount. “There is no such thing as an insignificant gift to the church,” she said. “Every pledge is meaningful and represents an acknowledgement of the many opportunities we have to worship, learn and care for others.”

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

No pledge is too large or too small. Each benefits a variety of church programs and the general budget.

We have dissected a $10 gift to illustrate how your money is put to work.

Facilities and Administration: $4.23

Church Ministries:$5.77

Money Well Spent

2 September 1 - 30, 2012

firstnews ArticlesInclude the date, contact person’s name, phone number and/or e-mail address with all submissions. Submit to: email - news@FCchurch.com fax - 614 488.2763 phone - 614 488.0681

We reserve the right to edit all submissions.

The deadline for all submissions is 12 pm, on the 15th of each month.

firstnews is a communications mission of First Community Church, published for church members and the community to share insights, educate and inform.

Editor: Michael Barber Graphic Design: Tabitha McCleery

First Community Church firstnews (USPS 196-300) is published monthly by First Community Church, 1320 Cambridge Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43212-3200. Periodicals postage paid at Columbus, Ohio. Subscription rates — U.S. First Community members - $1/year; non-pledging members and non-members - $25/year. Canadian or foreign subscriptions must be paid in U.S. dollars. For non-U.S. rates, call the firstnews office. Postmaster: Send address changes to First Community Church, 1320 Cambridge Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43212-3200.

Look WWHO’s MovingFirst Edition, First Community Church’s weekly television program, will move to The CW Columbus (WWHO-TV) beginning October 7.

The program will continue to air at 9 am each Sunday.

The decision was made shortly after The Dispatch Broadcasting Group announced that The Ohio News Network (ONN) would cease broadcasting at the end of August. First Edition had been airing their weekly broadcast with ONN for the last 18 months.

The Media Team believes First Edition’s affiliation with The CW provides even greater access for Central Ohio viewers as the station is available in basic cable packages.

The September airings of First Edition will remain on digital channel 10TV 10.2 with the last broadcast airing on September 30. Live webcasts of Sunday services can also be viewed at FCchurch.com.

Following is a list of cable providers and their associated CW channels.

Time Warner Cable:Channel – 13HD Channel – 1013

WOW Cable:Channel – 5HD Channel – 204

Insight Cable:Channel - 9 (or 27 with a box)HD Channel – 914

DIRECTV:Channel – 53HD Channel – 53

Dish Network:Channel – 7205HD Channel – 5194

AT&T U-verse:Channel – 5HD Channel – 1005

Over-the-air:Broadcast channel – 53Broadcast HD channel - 46 (or 53.1)

September 1 - 30, 2012 3

–– The Reverend Dr. Richard A. Wing, Senior Minister

Soundings

Dr. Wing is preparing the following sermons:

Looking ahead Listen Up!

It is time for us to look to the best of faith leaders for sound advice as we enter into the last 100 days of the most vitriolic political campaigning of my lifetime. What must we remember in order to find a better way?

I suggest two faith sources to contemplate. These two do not make pronouncements, but live what they prescribe.

First is Mother Teresa who said, “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” There is no “them and us” in this country. Only we. How we forget.

Second is Richard Rohr, Roman Catholic priest from the Center for Action and Contemplation in New Mexico: “I think that the great disappointment with so much political activism, even many of the non-violent movements of the 60s and 70s, and why many people were not long-lasting in these movements, is because these movements . . . were coming from righteous ideology of either Left or Right, from mere intellect and will, and not from people who had put head, heart, body, and soul together. Pure action is when you are acting from a place which is good, true, and beautiful.

“Until you can find that, don’t act. I’m trying to call forth an instrument that can really make a difference in the world. These people are the lightning rods of God’s energy into the world. They can be quite adamant, clear, and long-suffering. They can even allow themselves to suffer violence, like Jesus, instead of inflicting it on others.”

I know of no other voices we need to hear more than these.

Peace to you,

September 2CHILDREN UNDER 13 MUST BEACCOMPANIED BY A PARENT

I Corinthians 13: 4-7 – Peterson

September 9 - Akita SundayA NEW KIND OF CHRISTIANITY

(The End of Bookkeeping Religion; The Beginning of Spiritual Practice)

September 16Part 1: HITTING THE RESTART BUTTON

I Cor. 5:2/Revelation 21

September 23Part 2: BELIEVING

John 3: 16, 17

September 30Part 3: BEHAVING

Matt. 5, 6, 7

October 7Part 4: BELONGING

Acts 2: 44

October 14Part 5: THE PRACTICE OF SLOWING

Psalm 23: 2, 3

October 21Part 6: THE PRACTICE OF PRAYER

Luke 11: 1-4

October 28Part 7: THE PRACTICE OF STUMBLING GRACEFULLY

Luke 24: 47

November 4Part 8: THE EXPERIENCE OF

INEVITABLE SUFFERINGMatthew 18:14

Worship at First Community ChurchBeginning Homecoming Sunday, September 16

South Campus

8:30 am in Burkhart ChapelService of Holy Communion

11 am in the SanctuaryService of Worship

Sunday School for Kindergarten through 5th grade

Child care for infants through pre-KAdult Education at 9:30 am

North Campus

8:30 am in Grace HallA shorter Service of Worship

10 am in Grace HallService of Worship

Sunday School for Kindergarten through 5th grade

Child care for infants through pre-K

Middle School Crossroads

High School Crossroads at 11 am following the service.

4 September 1 - 30, 2012

First Community Foundation GiftsIn Memory of:Harley E. Rouda Mary Ann MulroyEdith Miller Marilyn RampleyHelen Simcox Herb & Beverly BrownJoe Yearling Bob & Sarah ReidLois Graber Anne Seckel Dr. & Mrs. Max J. LernerLouise Hoag Dan Minor Bob & Sarah ReidVi Sanders Ron & Sue Halley

In Honor of:Jim Long Bill & Dottie Seibert

The Foundation Corner

–– Donald Jameson, Director of Foundation Development

Special Information on 2012 OSU Football Tickets

Actually, we have no such knowledge but figured the headline might get you to check out this column.

As we all know, this has been a most interesting and confusing year in the area of investment strategies. Portfolio decision making has been difficult to say the least.

We want our Foundation assets to grow but we need to keep risk to a minimum in such uncertain

times, especially with an upcoming election and many possible tax law changes looming.

Our portfolio management company, BNY Mellon, is working closely with our Foundation Investment Committee. As of June 30, 2012, our total market value was $7,116,305. (As of December 31, 2011 it was $6,815,307.) We are reasonably comfortable with these numbers especially since we have already supported some substantial grant requests in 2012.

Our objectives are to put emphasis on long term growth of principal with moderate volatility and current income and to achieve a minimum annual expected rate of return of inflation plus 2% over a market cycle. At present our current funds allocation is 64.3% in equities, 32.0% in fixed income and 3.7% in cash.

It is so much more enjoyable to talk about the inspiring and meaningful programs and missions and ministries of First Community Church than it is to recite numbers but we need to remember, and our congregation does understand, that without adequate dollars there would be no ministries, missions and programs.

Gifts to the Foundation made years ago are providing funding to important grants being approved right now. We ask that you include First Community Foundation in your estate plans so that we can continue to support the special needs of our church and community in the future.

A simple call to your financial advisor saying “Please include First Community Foundation in my will for 5% or 10% of my estate” can make a dramatic difference in the ability of our church to successfully meet the challenges of the future.

Heart to Heart Food Pantry Totals

For July 2012

Households served .........................496Individuals served ........................1,072 Children served ...........................295 Adults served ...............................671 Seniors served ...............................96Meals provided ............................9,702

Year-to-Date

Households served ......................3,299Individuals served ........................7,118Meals provided ..........................64,062

Heart to Heart offers a helping hand and caring heart in times of need.

September 1 - 30, 2012 5

North Campus Bookstore Back In ActionWhat? You didn’t know the North Campus had a bookstore? Don’t feel bad – due to personnel constraints the Furber Book Corner’s satellite location hasn’t been open on a regular basis the past year. Have no fear, that problem has been remedied.

With the help of a new Point of Sale system, purchasing and paying for a book, sermon, CD or a piece of jewelry has just become much easier. So easy, in fact, we anticipate an upswing in business and that means a greater need for volunteers. If you are interested, please call Ann Eliot-Naille at 614 348.4158 or email anaille@FCchurch.com.

We will conduct a volunteer meeting in early September to acclimate present and future volunteers to the wonderful world of retail technology.

Book Discounts

Nigel Leave’s book The God Problem will be available at the Furber Book Corner for a discounted price of $15 (including tax). If you would like to preorder a copy, please contact Ann Eliot-Naille at anaille@FCchurch.com. Arrangements can be made to have the book mailed to your home (with a minimal shipping fee), or picked up at either North or South Campus.

Newer Titles in Paperback:• Committed – Elizabeth Gilbert; the author Eat, Pray, Love weaves a social and

cultural history of marriage around her own tale of tying the knot.• Traveling with Pomegranates – Sue Monk Kidd and Ann Kidd Taylor travel to

sacred spaces in Greece, Turkey, and France.

Perennial favorites:• Gospel According to... Disney, Dogs, Harry Potter, Peanuts, The Simpsons, Starbucks, BeatlesEach of these books takes subjects that everyone is familiar with and drawsconnections between the object or idea and spirituality.

Inspiration for women:Bad Hair Days• Confessions of a Prayer Wimp• Catching Fireflies•

Fiction:Our Lady of the Lost and Found • – Diane Schomperlein; if the Virgin Mary appeared on your doorstep and asked to stay for a few days, what would you do? Bronze Bow • – Elizabeth George Speare; Newbery-winning author of The Witch of Blackbird Pond recreates Judea, Nazareth and Jerusalem in this tale of a young boy’s discovery of God and Jesus in the midst of Roman domination.Putting Away Childish Things • – Marcus Borg; Borg’s first novel centers on a religious studies professor and her desire to impart her beliefs and the impact it has on her life and the university in which she teaches.

Other works:World According to Mr. Rogers • – Wisdom from that beloved “friend and neighbor” – Mr. Rogers.Love Wins • – Rob Bell; What if the story of heaven and hell we have been taught is not, in fact, what the Bible teaches? What if what Jesus meant by heaven, hell, and salvation are very different from how we have come to understand them?

First Community Church GiftsFriends of MusicIn Honor of: Ronald Jenkins Judy & Dean ReinhardGeorge & Lillian Haddad Diane Haddad

Heart to HeartIn Honor of:Liz Cummins' birthday Bon & Linda CumminsIn Memory of:Martha Thomas Joy L. BarneyHarley Rouda Colony Square Apartments LLCKeith E. McVey Roselynn J. McVeyIn Celebration of:The July 1 Wedding of Carole (Chard) and Dick Turner Susan Huhta

Refugee Task ForceIn Honor of:Barb and Sandy Wood Anonymously

Back Bay Tom and Cindy HudsonIn Celebration of: Ezekiel Fox’s Birthday Roger FoxIn Honor of: Crystal Allen Ralph and Joan TalmageIn Memory of: Sandra Sawyer Harp Jan Sawyer

Habitat for HumanityIn Honor of: Ned Timmons Sheri Van Cleef Lynne AyresIn Memory of:Sandra Sawyer Harp Jan Sawyer

6 September 1 - 30, 2012

Take Heart

–– The Reverend Ms. Deborah Lindsay, Minister of Spiritual Care

Love Your Neighbor

“Religion is like a knife: you can either use it to cut bread, or stick in someone’s back.”

Archbishop Desmond Tutu

I want you to use your imagination for a moment. Imagine it’s Christmas Eve and you’ve just been to church. Whether you attended a family service early in the evening or the late night service of lessons and carols, you were deeply moved by the beauty of your church, faith community and the hope of Christ’s coming into the world.

The next day – Christmas Day – you hear the news: on television, the Internet or even an automated “robo call” from Dr. Wing. Someone burned the church down during the night. That place of prayer, of hope, of light is reduced to ashes, destroyed by someone who doesn’t like what we believe.

Imagine the shock. Imagine all the different feelings: fear, sadness, anger or just numbness. Imagine trying to make sense out of news that does not make sense.

This is what happened at the mosque in Joplin, Missouri during the holy month of Ramadan. There’s more: in the first eleven days of August, there were eight attacks against houses of worship. Seven of them were mosques; one was a Sikh temple. They range in seriousness from the shooting deaths of six people at a Sunday prayer service in the Sikh temple, to acts of intimidation and vandalism. In one instance, people threw pig legs against the walls of a mosque. God must be very sad that people learned about another religious faith (Muslims do not eat pork) and then used the information to hurt.

I remind you of what you already know: this is not what it means to be an American and it is not what it means to be a Christian. Such acts of intolerance and hate fly in the face of everything our faith and our country is about. Some rise to the level of terrorism, terrorism committed by Americans against other Americans of different faiths.

This fall, I enter year two of doctoral studies on multifaith ministry. The working title of my thesis is Building Bridges Between Christians and Muslims: Bar None for the 21st Century. The title harkens back to the 50s, when Dr. Roy Burkhart initiated the Bar None dances with the slogan “no bar and none barred.” In that era the religious friction was between Anglo Protestants and Italian Catholics; First Community worked diligently to bridge the gap.

Our challenge in 2012 is a different one. Together Christians and Muslims make up more than half the world’s population and without peace between us, there will be no peace. Jesus was once asked to identify the greatest of all the commandments and he answered: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and soul and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The same call is found in the Qu’ran, “None of you truly believe until you want for your brother what you want for yourself.”

In the coming year, you will be invited to take part in bridge building activities with our Muslim neighbors at the Noor Islamic Center in Hilliard. I hope you will join in this important work. My prayer is we will get to know each other, laugh together and grow in understanding and respect. Will it make a difference? To quote Desmond Tutu once again, “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”

Blessings,

Heart to Heart Says Thank You By Angie Weber and Ray Bostic

Two huge thank you’s from Heart to Heart go out this month.

First, thank you to all who attended One Night Without a Home. We had an awesome turnout. We appreciate everyone who attended to learn more about what Heart to Heart does every day, to learn more about homelessness and to participate in a simulation.

Loretta Heigle wrote: “Just knowing that I was going to be there made me much more conscious of the challenges that homeless people face. How will you get out of the sun? Where will I find a bathroom? What if it storms? And the poverty simulation was eye opening as well. My strongest memory of that time will remain with your kindness during the simulation when I came to you for help. I was about to be evicted and didn’t know where to turn. You were so tuned in to me – as though there was nothing else in the world except our conversation and your being able to help me and you gave me hope. I can only imagine how much that help means to the people with whom you have contact every day.

“Thank you for the way-beyond-any-expectation work that you do with Ray and the volunteers who help you. I know that you are changing lives by your actions and by listening and supporting and validating the worthwhileness of each person you meet.”

Second – thank you so much to everyone who answered Dick Wing’s plea to help the Heart to Heart pantry with peanut butter - such a basic staple for families. We have not had proper supply for a couple of months due to the increase in price.

We used to pay $2.00 for a case of 12 jars of peanut butter and today we pay just over $20 per case. Our families have been so excited having peanut butter again. All of your donations provided 125 jars of peanut butter and enough money to order 33 cases of peanut butter. How awesome is that!

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

September 1 - 30, 2012 7

By Jill Eliot

“If music be the food of love, play on”; which as Shakespeare wrote, the Women’s Guild’s pot luck feast celebrated. The evening was orchestrated with the installation of officers and new guild chairs and a delightful showering of baby essential for Church Women United took place. Now the new symphony of 2012-2013 begins.

2012-13 Women’s Guild Executive Committee (Elected)President: Rose KandelVice President: TBARecording Secretary: Annita MeyerCorresponding Secretary, Member Roster & Mission Affiliations Chair: Ferne ArnettPast President and Treasurer: Estelle ScottPublicity and Spiritual Life: Jill EliotMembership: Joy PlassmanPast President Emeriti: Harriet Brown

Guild Board Committee Chairs (Appointed)Church Women United (Layettes): Ginny CulverTrading Post Liaison: Arlene KeethlerWe Love You Luncheon: Loretta Heigle and April HoweStaff Advisor Older Adult Ministry: Missy Obergefell

Group ChairsGroup A: April Howe and Ann Eliot-NailleGroup C: Karyl HanhilammiGroup D: Merci KatzGroup Q: Jinny Frick and Meg WagnerGroup RSZ: Harriet Brown, Ruth Gonser and Estelle ScottGroup V: Judy Hoberg and Sally KriskaGroup WW: Ann ShelineGroup X: Sarah ReidGroup Y: Kay GrafGroup Joy: Hilda NeffGroup 7: Sherri Whetzel

Womens’Guild By Rose Kandel, 2012-13 Guild President

It is such an honor and privilege to be a part of this wonderful organization. So many years ago, 101 to be exact, the vision of a few women grew into what we see today; the Women’s Guild embodying Christian Service, Spiritual Growth and Friendship.

When I meet all the amazing women who have given of themselves in service, who demonstrate the deep Faith they have and to see all the smiling faces in their ever growing friendships, my heart sings. My vision is to continue building on the foundation of this wonderful organization so it can thrive for the next 100 years.

Pretend for a moment that each friend you have is a melody on a musical score. Two melodies together create a duet. As friendships grow, melodies are added to the score to create a symphony of harmony that enriches and blesses our lives. Whether old or new, each friend we make along the way adds a unique sound to our symphony. Friendships provide the music in our lives that sustain us. Friendships provide the richness and beauty of life that nourish our spirits and fulfill our souls. Every friend is a unique melody that becomes more beautiful as harmonies are added to the song. Your unique melody will make our song more beautiful.

We sing the melody of our life’s song. Guiding us and supporting us is the rhythm of our faith. Come join our symphony. I invite you to become a part of the Women’s Guild.

We Want Your NewsFirstnews is dedicated to providing readers with quality news and features each month. We are particularly interested in receiving information directly from members regarding their participation in church events and programs.

We invite you to submit story ideas, completed stories and photographs for consideration. Contact Michael Barber, firstnews Editor, at mbarber@FCchurch.com.

Quest SinglesSeptember 6, Thursday at 6:30 pmDinner at the Rusty Bucket 1635 West Lane Avenue

September 13, Thursday at 6:30 pmDinner at the Wine Bistro7450 Lane Avenue

September 16, Sunday at 5:30 pmBook Discussion: Title has not yet been determined.MCL Cafeteria, Kingsdale Shopping Center

September 20, Thursday at 6:30 pmDinner at Café Istanbul6125 Riverside Drive

September 27, Thursday at 6:30 pmDinner at Bonefish Grill5712 Frantz Road

Contact Nancy at 614 771.4869 or at ndunn4346@sbcglobal.net to confirm details before attending an event.

8 September 1 - 30, 2012

Stewardship Corner

–– The Reverend Mr. Paul E. Baumer, Minister to the Staff

Back Bay Work Camp AnnouncedOur next work camp trip to Back Bay Mission, Biloxi, MS, will be April 28 through May 4, 2013. We will help restore houses damaged by Hurricane Katrina and may be helping prepare houses for homeless disabled military veterans.

Registration cost is $350, which includes housing (bring your own sleeping bag or bed clothes), meals at the volunteer center, work supplies and transportation in Biloxi. Housing will be in the volunteer center at Back Bay Mission. We do our own cooking but frequently go out and enjoy Gulf Coast specialties. Work campers arrange their own transportation to and from Biloxi. We can take 16 people. To register, contact Robin Taylor at rtaylor@FCchurch.com or 614 488.0681.

Pardon a Bit of a Sermon

We have all been hit one way or another by the incredible event in Aurora, Colorado. It has, of course, kicked loose all kinds of writing and editorials and sermons and on and on, which it should. Although it happens more often than we’d like to admit, shootings still and should shock and stop us.

It stopped me.

And it causes me to write about a concern that has been in me for a long time, and I’ve decided

to unload it. So here goes.

I’m not going to write about gun control, although for the life of me I don’t know why or how we are so insane as a nation that we allow the sale of assault weapons. Enough on that.

My concern is how I believe we are slipping into an everyday - gee that’s normal, isn’t that how we all live attitude about violence. We increasingly accept it and even encourage it. And the more we do that, the more we become violent. Note the weird things we call video games, which more often than not are about how many people you can kill this time around. Note the number of TV shows based on and are awash in violence. What sells best, without fail, at the movies? Violence.

I’m not a pacifist. My family has a military tradition. My son was an Army drill sergeant. A cousin commanded a nuclear submarine. An uncle was with the Flying Tigers. Unfortunately, in our world, we need the military. And God guard and be with them all.

But that doesn’t justify the growing fascination with and glorification of violence we are experiencing today.

To deal with that, and to make us better human beings than we are, begins with each of us, and what we do, and what we encourage, and how we teach our children. Let us begin.

Thus endeth the sermon. Thanks for listening.

Schedule your donation now.

Contact Cara Shary at 614 459.3691 or

carashary@columbus.rr.com for information.

Visit redcrossblood.org and use our sponsor code:

fcchurchnorth.

Your blood recipients thank you.

Red CrossBlood DriveAkita SundaySeptember 99 am - 2 pm

North Campus

Celebrate life,

the spirit of Akita,

and honor those among us

who have had transfusions.

Help Save a Life.

Donate Blood.

Nominating CommitteeGoverning Board and Diaconate Nominating Form

Guide the Future of First Community ChurchThe 2012 Nominating Committee is currently in the process of preparing a slate of qualified nominees for positions on the Governing Board and the Diaconate.

First Community Church has always been blessed with dedicated members willing to serve in various positions of responsibility and leadership. One important means of assuring a continuation of this tradition is the nominating process undertaken each year by the Nominating Committee elected by the First Community Church congregation.

The Nominating Committee depends upon your participation in this process by asking you to submit the names of qualified candidates to serve on the Governing Board and as members of the Diaconate. Please help us shape the future of First Community Church by submitting prayerfully considered candidates for these important church offices.

Please complete the Nomination Form on the back of this page for any candidate you believe meets the qualifications for these positions of church leadership. Self nominations are welcome. Please fill in the form as completely as possible. If you have additional information, please attach it to the form.

Nominations may be returned to the South Campus reception desk, mailed to Dr. Wing's office, or filled out online at FCchurch.com. The nominations close Sunday, October 14. Late nominations cannot be considered.

Your input to the Nominating Committee will be greatly appreciated.

Michael Barger2012 Nominating Committee Chair

Members of the Nominating CommitteeMichael BargerNoelle FieldsRon Gardner Sandra HammondWayne HarerSusanne KondrackeBert KramDavid MarkworthStacy McVeyDavid RickertJoan TalmageSheri Van Cleef

Kathy Cleveland BullRobert ByrdJackie CherryBarb DavisJulie HellandSarah JonausJanet McCutcheonWilliam MeadHilda NeffWalter NeffSamuel Porter IIIPamela Shisler

2012 Governing Board/Diaconate Nomination ProcessGoverning Board nominees should be committed to the Christian tradition and First Community Church. They must be an active and contributing member for at least three years. We are looking for decision makers with a vision for the future and the ability to lead us with innovative ideas.

Diaconate members should be willing to serve the whole church through the many aspects of diaconate work such as the calling program, communion and baptism. They should also be active, committed members for at least three years.

Additional forms are available at the reception areas, Welcome Centers, in Dr. Wing’s office and online.

Self nominations are welcome. Please return nominations to First Community Church, c/o Robin Taylor, 1320 Cambridge Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio, 43212, or submit it online. The deadline is Sunday, October 14. Late nominations cannot be considered.

Michael Barger, 2012 Nominating Committee Chair

Nomination FormThis Nomination is for (CHECK ONE): Governing Board Diaconate

TO THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE OF FIRST COMMUNITY CHURCH, COLUMBUS, OHIOI, the undersigned, submit the name of the following person to be considered by the Nominating Committee for inclusion on the slate of candidates to be presented at the Annual Meeting of the church.

FULL NAME OF CANDIDATE ________________________________________________________________________

CURRENT HOME ADDRESS __________________________________________________________________________

TELEPHONE: Home _________________Business __________________ Occupation__________________________

State what you know about this person's service to:

1. Church ________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Community ____________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Statement of candidate’s qualifications: (Specific qualities/skills) ___________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Additional contact who knows candidate well: _________________________________________________________

Telephone: Home ____________________________________ Business _____________________________________

Your Name (please print) ____________________________________________________________________________

Address________________________________________ E-mail _____________________________________________

Telephone: Home ____________________________________ Business _____________________________________

Your Signature _____________________________________________________________________________________

(Number and Street) (City)

September 1 - 30, 2012 11

A

10:30 am • Grace Hall, NC - Dr. Wing preaching

10 am • Grace Hall, North Campus11:30 am • Grace Hall, North Campus

8:30 am • Burkhart Chapel, SC - Rev. Baumer preaching8:30 am • Grace Hall, NC - Dr. Wing preaching10 am • Grace Hall, NC - Dr. Wing preaching11 am • Sanctuary, SC - Dr. Wing preaching

8:30 am • Burkhart Chapel, SC - Rev. Lindsay preaching8:30 am • Grace Hall, NC - Dr. Wing preaching10 am • Grace Hall, NC - Dr. Wing preaching11 am • Sanctuary, SC - Dr. Wing preaching

8:30 am • Burkhart Chapel, SC - Rev. Shaner preaching8:30 am • Grace Hall, NC - Dr. Wing preaching10 am • Grace Hall, NC - Dr. Wing preaching11 am • Sanctuary, SC - Dr. Wing preaching

Check the website for the most up-to-date information. For additional information:

Click: FCchurch.com

Email: info@FCchurch.com

Call: 614 488.0681

Visit: The Welcome Center at North or South Campus

A indicates Usher assignments.

C

A

B

A Month of Sundays

C

2

9

16

23

30

AKITA SUNDAY

A

MEDIA SUNDAY

HOMECOMING SUNDAY/BAPTISMS

Akita SundaySunday, September 9 • 10 am and 11:30 am

Grace Hall, North Campus

Akita Sunday is the greatest Akita celebration all year. If you went to Akita as a camper, are a parent or family member of a camper or just love Akita, this service is for you. We will be showing a video recap of the summer. You will hear all the great camp songs you know by heart. Many of the Akita counselors will be there to re-live all the great memories formed this summer. We invite everyone to come celebrate the place we all love so much, Camp Akita.

Mobile Giving Made Easy We are pleased to provide new, convenient methods for donating to First Community Church. In addition to finding quick access to giving online and at our kiosks, you can now support your favorite programs and ministries with an easy-to-use mobile app using your iPhone or Android mobile device. Simply search for the SecureGive app in the App Store (Apple) or Play Store (Android), download, install and type ‘First Community Church’ in the location field. You will be asked to create an account during your first visit.Complete directions for app installation can be found at FCchurch.com/mobile-giving

12 September 1 - 30, 2012

Care and Spirit

– – The Reverend Mr. James M. Long, Minister of Pastoral Care

Parish RegisterWe share the joys and sorrows of our church family in our prayers.

BIRTHMadeline Rose Vivian 7/10/12 daughter of Helen & Bruce Vivian

BAPTISMSJosephine Louise Malhame 7/22/12 daughter of Katy & Kevin MalhameTaylor Lee O’Neal 7/29/12 daughter of Katy & Heath O’NealJackson David Satterfield 7/29/12 son of Barbara Burgie & Kevin Satterfield Ryan Joseph Evans 8/12/12 son of Colleen & Colin EvansCole Philip Pelok 8/12/12 son of Bryn & Philip Pelok

WEDDINGSSandi Peterson & Samuel Porter 7/21/12Sarah Reynolds & Craig Beaker 7/21/12 daughter of Lisa ReynoldsAshley Swetye & Kyle Babbitt 7/28/12 son of Jay BabbittCaroline Lombardi & Eric Gentzel 7/28/12Ashleigh Gerlach & Alexander Posey 8/4/12Halley Conway & Paul Hoffman 8/18/12 daughter of Robin & Dan Conway

HOSPITALIZEDDiane ZaneLaura Lee HickfangBrian JohnstonTom SturgesBryan BeskeMark StullJoan TalmageThelma Ross

DEATHSLee Moody 7/31/12Bonney Sprafka 8/12/12 mother of Dave Markworth

The Divine Sanctuary

The state of one’s heart inevitably shapes one’s life; it is ultimately the place where everything is decided.

To Bless the Space Between UsJohn O’Donohue

Traditionally we think of the heart as the place of feeling, sentiment or emotion. If we say that someone has a “heart” for something, we mean that they care deeply or have a passion for it. If they have the ability to feel for others, we say that they are compassionate and loving. I know

many people on Mission Council who have a “heart” for mission and for serving others. We know that a heart can become “hardened” as was Pharoah’s in the Book of Exodus.

We also think of the heart as the “center” of things. The State of Ohio had an advertising campaign a few years ago calling Ohio “the heart of it all.” If you look at a map of the United States, Ohio occupies a place roughly where the heart would be in a human body. You also could say it is where the action is—where it all happens. We want to be at the “heart” of things, even in the heart of life itself.

John O’Donohue has written a beautiful book of blessings in which he describes the heart as the place where God dwells. It is the divine sanctuary. (Id. at p.105) A sanctuary is a sacred place, a place of safety and worship. In the Middle Ages, a person fleeing from the vengeance or justice of others could claim sanctuary by entering a cathedral and touching the altar. This was one of the reasons why the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170 A.D. in Canterbury Cathedral was shocking to all of Europe.

The heart is a sacred place of safety where we encounter God. Indeed, it is where we encounter life itself with all its many decisions and possibilities. O’Donohue states:

A courageous heart will go forth and engage with life despite fear and confusion.

A fearful heart will be hesitant and will tend to hold back.

A heavy heart will make for a gloomy, unlived life.

A compassionate heart need never carry the burden of judgment.

A forgiving heart knows the art of liberation.

A loving heart awakens the spirit of possibility and engagement with others. (Id. at p. 104)

Thus, we must discern where our heart is. Indeed, we must ask where God is in our lives. The answer is that God is at the center. The heart is where God dwells.

Peace and blessings,

September 1 - 30, 2012 13

September Daily ReadingsThese 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 Hosea 3:1-5 John 18: 28-32 2 (Sunday) Song of Solomon 2:8-13 James 1:17-27 Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 3 Song of Solomon 3:6-11 1 Timothy 4:6-16 4 Song of Solomon 5:2—6:3 1 Peter 2:19-25 5 Song of Solomon 8:5-7 Mark 7:9-23 6 Proverbs 1:1-19 Romans 2:1-11 7 Proverbs 4:10-27 Romans 2:12-16 8 Proverbs 8:1-31 Matthew 15:21-31 9 (Sunday) Proverbs 22:1-2,8-9,22-23 James 2:1-10 [11-13] 14-17 Psalm 125 Mark 7:24-37 10 Proverbs 8:32—9:6 Hebrews 11:29—12:2 11 Proverbs 11:1-31 Hebrews 12:3-13 12 Proverbs 14:1-9 Matthew 17:14-21 13 Proverbs 15:1-17 Hebrews 11:17-22 14 Proverbs 19:24-29 James 2:17-26 15 Proverbs 21:1-17 Matthew 21:23-32 16 (Sunday) Proverbs 1:20-33 James 3:1-12 Psalm 19 Mark 8:27-38 17 Proverbs 22:1-21 Romans 3:9-20 18 Proverbs 25:1-28 Colossians 3:1-11 19 Proverbs 29:1-27 John 7:25-36 20 Proverbs 30:1-10 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 21 Proverbs 30:18-33 Romans 11:25-32 22 Ecclesiastes 1:1-18 Matthew 23:29-39 23 (Sunday) Proverbs 31:10-31 James 3:13—4:3, 7-8a Psalm 1 Mark 9:30-37 24 Proverbs 27:1-27 James 4:8-17 25 Ecclesiastes 4:9-16 James 5:1-6 26 Ecclesiastes 5:1-20 John 8:21-38 27 Esther 1:1-21 Acts 4:13-31 28 Esther 2:1-23 Acts 12:20-25 29 Esther 3:1-15 Matthew 5:13-20 30 (Sunday) Esther 7:1-6, 9-10,; 9:20-22 James 5:13-20

Psalm 124 Mark 9:38-50

Service OpportunityTrading Post Needs VolunteersThe Trading Post, our church’s consignment shop tucked cozily at the back of the South Campus parking lot, is currently in need of volunteers. Even if you only have a couple of hours a week to spare, we can use you. Call our new coordinator, Helen Saxe, at 614 488.6564 if you think you’d enjoy volunteering and want to make some new friends while supporting a worthy cause.

This year, in addition to our annual donation to the church, we were able to make additional contributions to Heart to Heart, Prayers and Squares, the Camp Akita Scholarship Fund, the K-12 youth programs, Mission Council, the media ministry and the church operating fund as well as to the orphanage in the Dominican Republic, where our youth travel each year on a mission trip.

Maybe you and a friend would want to volunteer together. We need help with many tasks, including sizing, pricing, ticketing, straightening, beautifying, selling, bagging and cashiering. We’ll try to match you with what you think sounds like fun and the hours you want to work.

It’s on-the-job training with free coffee and a sit down break whenever you need it. Open Monday through Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm.

14 September 1 - 30, 2012

Rafiki Update Story and Photo by Dr. Terry Davis

Wedged in between last March’s Rafiki Muziki Extravaganza and next summer’s 15th Anniversary of the birth of Rafiki, this summer’s celebration was intentionally low-key, but there was still plenty to celebrate and many milestones to mark.

Big changes at the ClinicThe first notable change at the clinic is physical: the appearance of a second floor. Funding from a grant from the Diocese of Southern Ohio has allowed the beginning of construction of a second floor onto the clinic. This additional space, although originally conceived as a maternity wing, will be initially purposed to provide much needed dental services for the community. We are working on securing the volunteer services of some local dentists to provide clinic time with equipment and supplies being provided by the clinic. This will be a wonderful additional benefit that Rafiki will provide.

In addition to the physical improvements in the clinic, we are working to ensure that the best available “evidence based practice” is happening in our clinic. In order to facilitate, that Kristen Tomblin, a Nurse Practitioner from Allentown, Pennsylvania and Marian Cavagnaro from Florida spent time at the clinic and are making some recommendations for standardizing the treatments at the clinic. As a Nurse Practitioner, Kristen has experience in how clinics in the US treat certain common problems. As manager of a large hospital laboratory (as well as being clergy) Marian understands what laboratory procedures are most beneficial for confirming the diagnosis of those same conditions.

With the full support of our Board Chair, Dr. John Njenga, his wife, Irene, also a physician, and Susan Munga who oversees the clinic, we are developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for each of our common diagnoses. The use of these will standardize the diagnosis, lab confirmation and

treatment which should dramatically improve our outcomes as well as reduce the use of multiple antibiotics. Kristen has developed the first draft of the SOP for Urinary Tract Infection, and it is currently under review by the Kenya team.

Another area of expansion is the fish business. At the annual celebration, we recharged the old Talapia fish pond with a fresh load of 1,000 Talapia minnows, which should be ready for market in about 9 months. In addition, a new second pond was stocked with the same number of catfish, a species which should be quite marketable when they mature.

Next up for recognition was the work commencing on the John Webster Shopping Center. Since the Pig business fell victim to falling pork prices (thanks to fears of Swine Flu) and rising feed prices, Rafiki decided to switch gears. Five former pigpens that are part of the barn back up to the main road leading to Nderi which actually sees a fair amount of traffic. We are renovating them by knocking out doors in the wall facing the road, completing the internal walls and putting on a roof. This will create five roadside shops, which, along with the Posho Mill will be the nucleus of the Shopping Center. Tenants may include a butcher shop, produce market, microfinance office and barber shop. Hopefully, once underway, this can be another profit center for Rafiki.

Perhaps the biggest event of the annual celebration was related to Rafiki Academy which opened up early this year beginning the process of bringing education in-house. We began with pre-school and Classes 1 and 2. We have excellent teachers. The business plan calls for each class to be approximately 20-25 students. One third would be our own and two thirds would come from the community. We have this goal because we don’t want our kids isolated from the community. In addition, those parents who currently are paying school fees to the local primary school would be paying them to us instead. With that income, the school would be a major profit center for Rafiki. We plan to add one class each year. Although the classes are going very well, they are only half full; mainly because we have not had a school bus to pick up community children. The staff and the newly formed Parent-Teachers Association have been agitating for the procurement of a bus for many months now. Downtown and Capital Square Rotary Clubs as well as First Community Church pitched in to fund a bus. We purchased the bus in Nairobi and were able to keep it a surprise from the staff – only two Board members and John Nganga knew we were going to deliver the bus during the annual celebration. The Kenya team were overwhelmed when the bus arrived—and they said, “we have gone from complaining to repentance”. Hopefully, with the new bus, we’ll be able to fill up those classrooms.

A second floor of the maternity clinic is dedicated in July. This new space will help to accommodate much needed dental services.

September 1 - 30, 2012 15

Opportunities for Learning and Growth this FallSpiritual “Salon”The Jesus Dynasty: Exploring Earliest ChristianityWednesday, September 5, 7 – 8:30 pmRoom 128, North Campus

Rev. David Hett will open this conversational “salon” regarding the earliest Jesus movement focusing on James the brother of Jesus, head of that earliest Jewish movement. Scholarly work by James Tabor, Barrie Wilson, John Dominic Crossan and others will be considered. Free and open to the public (donations will be asked for refreshments), but pre-registration encouraged online at FCchurch.com or by contacting Natalia at njones@FCchurch.com, 614 488.0681, ext. 113.

Tuesday at TenFirst Christians: Stephen, Philip, Mary Magdalene, James the brother of JesusFall Series Begins September 11Tuesdays, 10 – 11:30 amWicker Room, South Campus

Dr. Amy-Jill Levine, via DVD lectures, describes these first followers of the Jesus movement as Pete and Pidge Diehl and the Rev. Deborah Lindsay lead weekly discussions. In mid-October, they will begin working on the Dalai Lama’s book, Beyond Religion: Ethics for a Whole World. Free and open to all.

Sunday Morning Seminar SouthThe God Problem: Alternatives to FundamentalismSeptember 16 – November 119:30 -10:45 amWicker Room, South Campus

Grey Austin facilitates discussion around the short book by Nigel Leaves, Dean of Studies at the Anglican Seminary in Perth, Australia. Themes include “The Spirituality Revolution,” “Religious Naturalism,” “Panentheism,” and “The Terror of God.” Free and open to the public.

Sunday Morning Seminar NorthA New Kind of Christianity: Sermon Series Discussion & PracticeSeptember 16 – November 411 am - NoonRoom 115, North Campus

A new learning experience at North Campus, following each Sunday’s 10 am worship service during Dr. Wing’s fall sermon series based on the book by Diana Butler Bass, Christianity after Religion: The End of Church and the Birth of a New Spiritual Awakening.

Rev. David Hett will lead discussion about the sermon of the day relating to Dr. Butler Bass’ work for the first four weeks, and various spiritual directors will follow-up the sermons on spiritual practice the other weeks of the class. Free and open to the public.

Remembering “The Freedom To Become Yourself”A Journey With Roy Burkhart Into Our TimesMondays, September 17 – October 87 – 9 pmBurkhart Chapel, South Campus

In this four-week course led by Daniel L. Davis, PhD, you will not only learn of the important spiritual and psychological work of Dr. Roy Burkhart, that guiding force behind First Community Church’s growth, you will also engage in your own self-exploration using these principles in concert with current psychological research to develop your own personal plan of spiritual growth.

Daniel L. Davis, Ph.D. ABPP is a long-time First Community member who knew Roy Burkhart as a young man. He is now a psychologist in practice in Columbus Ohio with over 30 years of experience in a variety of clinical and forensic settings. He is the author of two books: Your Angry Child: A Guide for Parents and The Aggressive Adolescent: Clinical and Forensic Issues.

Rev. James Long will also assist in facilitating this class. Free and open to the public, but registration is necessary by September 14, by going online or contacting Natalia at njones@FCchurch.com, 614 488.0681, ext. 113.

Richard Rohr WebcastPracticing Contemplation and Facing Paradox Wednesday, September 267 – 9 pmRoom 130, North Campus

In this third Spiritual Searcher broadcast from the home-base of contemplative mystic Father Richard Rohr, he illustrates why and how paradoxical thinking is at the heart of contemplative faith.

In this rebroadcast of a live webcast from September 15, Father Rohr looks at this two questions specifically: Could contemplation be described as an ability to hold and absorb seeming contradictions? Is paradoxical thinking at the heart of faith?

Register online or at the door. A free-will offering is taken to support the Spiritual Searcher Ministry.

16 September 1 - 30, 2012

The Infinite Quest

– – The Reverend Mr. David S. Hett, Minister of Religious Life and Learning

Remembering Our Sublime Origin

We spent our August Diamond Approach seminary retreat in probing more deeply to be, as Jesus said, “in the world, but not of the world.” The work is really about gearing our lives and lifestyles in ways that support the maturation of our souls, that nurture our growth as “spiritual beings having a human experience:”

Is our life and time and energy organized in such a way to support our spiritual practice? Does the space we live, or work, or meditate in, support our soul’s journey? Do we relate to others from the

best impulses of our true nature or allow our habitual responses and behaviors to constantly serve as our “first line of defense?”

My home office is also my meditation space, which is fine given the limitations of our home, but the meditation space has been smothered in a chaos of books, papers and paraphernalia throughout the work space. I realized I could move one bookshelf in an adjacent closet and free up space for creating an altar-oasis in this desert.

Obviously it is not rocket science; actually it is spiritual science as traditions throughout history have known and maintained. In modern life, and it seems particularly in the Protestant American Church, we’ve just lost sight of how to live a truly “religious” life (re-ligious: to bind us back to our lost connection with the Holy). Our consumption-oriented society and ego-based world means we need all the support we can seek, both human and divine. We are deep in an election season, and require even more sustenance to maintain what the Buddhists call “right speech, right conduct, right action,” among their 8-fold path.

We talked at our retreat that to call upon the divine support we might “intensify our practices,” those spiritual, but real, supports for living a life of truth, whether prayer, study, journaling, dance, chant, inquiry or meditation. Intensify our practice: as one sage said, when life is good, I meditate regularly; when I’m under stress, I double that!” Not only is that counterintuitive (“I’m crazy busy! I don’t have time for spiritual practice!”), it is also countercultural—it is truly subversive. But we need to realize that it is just these resources for the life of soul we, and our world, need more than anything.

“To be ‘in the world, but not of it’ means we want to engage in the world in a meaningful way without forgetting our true nature,” our teacher summarized.

“We want to live in the world in a way that we don’t forget our sublime origin.”

“Our sublime origin:” that’s a phrase worth keeping.

Shalom,

women’s fall retreatoctober 5 - 7camp akita

Western women will (must) change the world.

— His Holiness, the Dalai Lama

Join Barbara Davis

& Bobbie Celeste

along with other women to

creatively explore the unique

and myriad ways in which

we understand and use

our power as women.

Women and our

POWER

Registration available online at FCchurch.com.

For more information please contact

the Adult Learning Office at 614 488.0681 ext 113 or njones@FCchurch.com

September 1 - 30, 2012 17

Weekly Adult Learning GroupsClasses are free except where noted and open to the public. Books for most classes are available at the Furber Book Corner. For information on registration or financial aid, contact the Adult Learning Office at 614 488.0681 ext 113 or njones@FCchurch.com.

For more details on specific classes, go to FCchurch.com, search: adult learning.

Sunday Morning Seminar at South The God Problem: Alternatives to Fundamentalism - Grey Austin facilitates this intriguing discussion class (refer to longer article in this news for more information. Class is free and open to the public; consecutive attendance not required.

Sundays, 9:30 - 10:45 amSept. 16 - Nov. 11Wicker Room, South Campus

Sunday Morning Seminar at NorthA New Kind of Christianity: The End of Bookkeeping Religion; The Beginning of Spiritual Practice - Rev. David Hett will lead discussions based on Dr. Wing’sl sermon series and the book Christianity After Religion: The End of Church and the Birth of a New Spiritual Awakening. (See more detail in this firstnews Monthly issue.) Class is free and open to the public; consecutive attendance not required.

Sundays, 11 am – NoonSept. 16 – Nov. 4Room 115, North Campus

Remembering “The Freedom To Become Yourself”A Journey With Roy Burkhart Into Our Times - Daniel L. Davis, PhD, will guide us in understanding the spiritual and psychological work of Dr. Roy Burkhart, while assisting us to engage in our own self-exploration. More details in another news article this issue.

Mondays, 7 – 9 pm Sept. 17 – Oct. 8 Burkhart Chapel, South Campus

Tuesday at TenFirst Christians: Stephen, Philip, Mary Magdalene, James the brother of JesusPete and Pidge Diehl and the Rev. Deborah Lindsey lead weekly discussions on various topics, this one based on Amy-Jill Levine’s DVD series. Free and open to all.

Tuesdays, 10 – 11 amFall Series Begins Sept. 11 Wicker Room, South Campus

Men’s Study GroupJoin us for weekly discussions on a variety of biblical and spiritual topics. The group began a study of Richard Rohr’s, Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life at the end of May. Contact Price Finley at 614 488.7978 or pfinley@bricker.com, or Craig Sturtz at 614 481.9060 or csturtz@squiresandders.com.

Wednesdays, 7 - 8 amWicker Room, South Campus

Men’s Wednesday FellowshipMembers and invited speakers discuss a wide range of topics.

Wednesdays, 7 - 8 amBrownlee Hall, South Campus

Women Living the QuestionsOpen to all women interested in the spiritual search in all of its forms. Fall Series will be titled: Living a more contemplative life. Contact Lisa Bueche at lisabueche@ymail.com if you have any questions.

Wednesdays, 9:30 - 11 amFall Series Begins Sept. 12Wicker Room, South Campus

Wednesday Evening Bible StudyA time to study scripture and pray. Led by Rev. Jim Long. Open to all.

Wednesdays, 7 - 8:30 pmBegins Oct. 3Cafe Room, North Campus

Saturdays with Rohr & FriendsThe DVD we will be working with is Jesus and Buddha, Finding the four noble truths in the heart of Christianity.

Saturdays, beginning October 20Location TBD

Women and our

POWER

18 September 1 - 30, 2012

Yet to come this fall…Election, Veterans ProgramsMark your calendars for these special adult learning programs:

K-5 Save the DatesAs we approach fall, parents are busy filling in their family calendars. Please save these dates for these important K-5 church events. For more information, times and locations, visit FCchurch.com or contact the K-5 office at 614 488.0681 ext 113.

September 12 Children’s Choirs begin

September 19 Midweek Missions begins

September 25 4th Grade Communion Dinner and Class

October 7 4th Grade Communion during worship

November 19 Thanksgiving Baskets delivered to Gladden Community House

December 1 60th Annual Christmas Craft Shop

December 11 Advent by Candlelight

January 27 3rd Grade Bible presentation during worship

The “12 Tribes” of Religious Political Voting

Wednesday, October 17, 7 – 9 pmBrownlee Hall, South Campus

John C. Green, distinguished professor of political science at the University of Akron, and nationally-known expert on political voting of religious blocks, presents his 12 Tribes research as potential preview of the 2012 election. Dr. Green is widely known as an observer of Ohio and national politics, frequently quoted in the national and state media.

Fall Focus: Our Returning VeteransPTSD & Our Returning Veterans

Wednesday, October 24, 7 – 9 pmGrace Hall, North Campus

Dr. John S. Savage and Dr. Russell M. Clark, along with Susan Scherer, will help us look at the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder on our veterans and their families as they return from the Middle East. They will share ways in which the community can offer support and encouragement to our troops and their families in this special and important program.

Dr. Savage is a psychotherapist and noted trainer in communication skills. The Rev. Dr. Clark is a retired United Methodist minister who served as a Marine infantry leader in Vietnam, commanding a platoon and later a rifle company. Dr. Clark is a leader with Point Man International Ministries, a faith-based support network for military veterans and their families. Through his own experience with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and through years of study and research, he has been able to provide mental, emotional and spiritual counseling to many.

Free and open to the public. Online registration requested or contact Natalia at njones@FCchurch.com, 614 488.0681 ext. 113.

Veterans & The Courts: Supreme Court Justice Evelyn Stratton

Tuesday, November 13, 7 – 8:30 pmBrownlee Hall, South Campus

Supreme Court Justice Evelyn Lundberg Stratton has led efforts in Ohio to establish “Veterans Courts” to help ensure that veterans have the support they need to be productive members of the community upon their return.

“Our Afghanistan and Iraq veterans are returning to the United States with post-traumatic stress disorders, traumatic brain injuries and other mental health concerns,” Justice Stratton says. “We in the criminal justice system have a duty to divert them and connect them with the resources they need to help them heal from the wounds of war.”

Hear Justice Stratton and learn about this movement to assist our veterans in this special presentation honoring Veterans Day (Nov. 11). Free and open to the public. Online registration requested or contact Natalia at njones@FCchurch.com, 614 488.0681 ext. 113.

Profound statements are made in our Sunday school. This feature offers insight from our youth.

This past summer, when six-year-old Nicole attended the Columbus Pride Parade with her family, she observed some people shouting at those marching in the parade. Nicole turned to her mother and said, “Mommy, don’t these people know that when they get heaven they will see that God loves everyone?”

September 1 - 30, 2012 19

Groups for Parents Welcome YouFirst Community Church has three parent groups ready to welcome you this fall.

These groups are open to everyone – no need to register, just join us.

All three groups are led by Donice Wooster, Director of Early Childhood Ministry, and occasional guest leaders. Donice has more than 30 years experience working with parents and families.

Parents of children from the very young through early middle school will find support, camaraderie and great information in these sessions.

For Dads Only A group for fathers that will meet Tuesday, September 11, 7 - 8:30 pm in the Guild Room, South Campus.

For Moms OnlyA group for mothers that will meet Monday, September 17, 7 - 8:30 pm in the Guild Room, South Campus.

Parent Growth A group for parents with child care available, meeting on Monday mornings, 9:30 - 11 am. The fall schedule for Parent Growth with topics and dates will be in the October firstnews Monthly, with the first session meeting Monday, October 1.

Preschool OpeningsIf you have or know a 4 or 5-year-old (4 by September 30) who would love an active, rich Preschool experience five mornings a week, we have a few openings remaining in our South Campus Preschool.

Children can attend from 9 - 11:30 am Monday through Friday, or add our Lunch and Play program, bring a lunch and stay until 1 pm. For a tour or more information, contact Donice Wooster, donicew@FCchurch.com, or Patti Link, plink@FCchurch.com.

Harvest Hullabaloo

Especially for young children and their families

Saturday, October 27, 201210 to 11:30 am, North Campus

Watch for more information at FCchurch.com and in

the October firstnews Monthly.

While at South Campus this summer, our K-5 children had the opportunity to hear from architect Bob Wandel about our Memorial Garden.

They also learned that Mr. Wandel designed the original space at the North Campus.

The children enjoyed learning about the many places we can pray.

firstnewsFirst Community Church1320 Cambridge BoulevardColumbus, OH 43212

Dated Material : Do Not Delay

Periodical PostagePAIDat Columbus, Ohio

First Community Church

South Campus North Campus1320 Cambridge Boulevard 3777 Dublin RoadColumbus, OH 43212 Columbus, OH 43221614 488.0681 614 488.0681FAX 488.2763 FAX 777.4098

FCchurch.com info@FCchurch.com

No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.

,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 and Youth Ministries; Sally R. Beske, Assistant Organist/Director of Youth Choirs; Scott T. Binder, Director of Worship Technologies, Dawn J. Costin, Director of K-5 Ministry; Andy Frick, Middle School Program Coordinator; Cynthia Harsany, Director of Finance and Operations; Pam Jameson, Facilities Manager; Sarah Kientz, High School Program Coordinator; Stacey Kuzda, Director of Marketing and Communications, Scot Nicoll, Director of Youth Ministry Programming; Missy Obergefell, Director of Older Adult Ministry; Randall R. Rocke, Director of Mission Through Media; Paula L. Russell, Director of Membership; Scott Walker, Director of Camp Akita Ministries; M. Donice Wooster, Director of Early Childhood Ministry.

Affiliated with The United Church of Christ and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Submission Information

All news articles and photos for firstnews must be submitted to news@FCchurch.com by the published deadline (see page 2). Direct questions to Michael Barber at mbarber@FCchurch.com.

firstnews