Dear Members and Friends of First Community,

As the Coronavirus concerns continue to evolve, we decided to move worship to online only this Sunday. We will stream live at 11 am on Facebook and FCchurch.tv I will share a message of hope, there will be music, a scripture reading, and prayers. 

We also decided to cancel all meetings and events at First Community beginning today (Wednesday) through next Tuesday, March 17. We will carefully assess the situation before determining what will happen beyond then.

I will be sending updates as I receive them via email. We will also post this information on our website and Facebook page.

Please note: Both of our locations will remain open. Some staff may choose to work remotely from home at their discretion. Our food pantry, Heart to Heart, will remain open so we will be able to care for our clients who are often in very vulnerable situations. A plan is in place to keep all Heart to Heart volunteers, staff, and clients safe. We will also allow our AA and NA groups to continue to meet so the persons who gather in these groups can receive this important support. As of now, the First Community Preschool at South and the Mary Evans Child Development Center at North will remain open.

Voting will still take place at both of our North and South locations next Tuesday, March 17. We will have necessary facility staff at both sites. We made arrangements for a deep cleaning of all public areas on Wednesday morning. 

Senior leadership made the decision to cancel most events and meetings based on a variety of concerns. Of primary importance is the safety and health of our members and friends. The information we are receiving strongly suggests canceling large group gatherings is an important step in preventing the spread of Coronavirus. Governor DeWine is recommending large groups cancel or postpone their meetings. In addition, many of our most active members are in groups considered to be more vulnerable. By canceling all First Community meetings and events, we are working to care for them as best we can.

We will continue to provide pastoral care through phone calls, emails, texts, and US mail. Your ongoing financial support is greatly appreciated. You can give here online . Using this link you can also designate to give to Week of Compassion, the emergency relief support agency of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). They are on the ground right now in Nashville providing help following the devastating tornado damage. They are also responding to emergencies around the country and around the world.

I am grateful to share in this ministry with all of you. Here are a few ways for you to take action:

  • Wash your hands often. Many health professionals stated over and over the importance of this simple act.
  • Don't shake hands or offer hugs. This is a good time to practice elbow bumps and warm, engaging smiles.
  • If you do not feel well, stay home. This is no time to "tough it out."
  • Connect with us online. In addition to the live worship service we will offer this Sunday, you can find links to our past worship services and events at FCchurch.com and on Facebook. 
  • Please do not hesitate to reach out to us through email or by phone at (614) 488-0681 if you have any pastoral care concerns.

This Sunday my sermon is based on this timely word from the letter to the Romans: 

We know "that suffering produces endurance,   and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,   and hope does not disappoint us..."

This is a time for us to unite together in prayer, support each other in love, and reassure one another with hope. We can, together, do all we can to encourage each other and the wider community as well.

With love and care for all of you,
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