Dear Friend,

Happy New Year! 

I hope your holidays were filled with blessings and joy. I'd love to hear from you. Take a moment to send me a note about your holiday celebrations.

I'm looking forward to the New Year ahead of us here at First Community. We have some very exciting ministry opportunities and programs planned for 2024.

New Sermon Series - I'll Be There for You

I begin a new three-part sermon series on January 7 titled I'll Be There for You. You may recognize the title, the iconic theme song for the popular '90s sitcom Friends. The inspiration for the series comes from reading former Friends star Matthew Perry's autobiography, Friends, Lovers, and The Big Terrible Thing. I'm approaching this series through the TV show and Matthew Perry's poignantly haunting memoir. His open and honest approach to his struggles provides valuable insights.

Part 1 is titled "Can I Interest You in a Sarcastic Comment?" That is a quote from Chandler, the Matthew Perry character, who unfortunately does not have much wisdom but has a lot of sarcasm! The sermon is also based on John 15: 12-17, which contains the beautiful words of Jesus to his disciples: " I do not call you servants any longer...but I have called you friends." Emily Rogers, our Director of Digital Content, Strategy, and Worship Coordinator, noted that this series will help us see how this ancient word still has powerful meaning in our contemporary world. 

This Sunday, we go back to our regular worship schedule:

• 9 am Grace Hall at FC North led by the Common Grace Band
• 10 am Sanctuary at FC South led by the Cambridge Choir
• 11 am Sanctuary at FC North led by the Chancel Choir

A Personnel Update 

I have some important and exciting updates for you regarding our staff. I hope you saw the announcement in the January firstnews about our new Organist, Taae Hamid. Taae is a second-year master's student in Piano and Organ at Ohio University. Andy Blosser is thrilled to add this extraordinarily talented young musician to our Worship and Arts team. Taae will begin his work with us this Sunday, January 7, in the 11 am service at FC North.

Beginning February 1, Liz Compton will become the Executive Director of Operations. Liz has been an extremely valuable team member, serving as the Controller. Since she arrived at FC, she has helped to create sound, sensible, and transparent financial reports. I am looking forward to Liz taking on this expanded role. She has an outstanding skill set.

I am pleased to report that Seth Stearns will transition from his role as Executive Director of Operations to become the Minister of Spiritual Life & Learning. Seth has been working with the Spiritual Life & Learning Center for the last few months, focusing on planning for the upcoming Spiritual Searcher events this year. He holds a master's degree in counseling from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio. He is actively following the process of becoming a commissioned pastor in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Seth will continue to serve as the Director of the First Community Foundation.

Travel to Ireland with Julie and Me

As most of you know, Julie and I planned to lead a trip to the Holy Land last fall. The tragic and ongoing war brought an end to those plans. Sadly, it does not appear the conflict will end any time soon. In place of that trip, we are leading a journey to Ireland, July 22-August 1. The itinerary will include visits to Dublin and Waterford, with a visit to the famous Waterford Crystal, the Ring of Kerry, the Hills of Donegal, and more. Many Holy Land travelers have already signed on to travel with us. We would love for you to join us! Click here for a copy of the brochure, or email Julie at juliepomeroy77@gmail.com and ask for a hard copy. We are sure this trip will fill up fast, so sign up soon.

2024 Belonging Campaign Pledges

Have you made your financial pledge for the 2024 ministry year? We will soon begin to call all who pledged in 2023 and who have yet to pledge in 2024 to remind them to please send in their pledge so we can finish our financial planning for this year. Last year was amazing, and we are primed for another season of wonderful ministries, powerful services, and beautiful worship. Your gifts will help us see these opportunities emerge. You can pledge here.

A Final Word

The Seasons of Advent and Christmas were filled with hope. I came out of them refreshed, renewed, and ready for the year ahead. I cannot wait to see what the Spirit has in store for all of us. No one can predict what will happen in the months ahead, but I am sure that no matter what comes our way, we will find strength for the journey from God's presence and in our shared community of faith.

With love for you, your pastor,