by Rev. Glen Miles, Senior Minister

Following my ordination in 1988, a pastor friend handed me a copy of A Guide to Prayer for Ministers and Other Servants. This collection of daily prayers and meditations follows the church year from Advent through Pentecost. My friend, a long-time mentor, encouraged me to use it every day during my first years of ministry as a steady reminder of the good news of the gospel and the true focus of my calling. I took his advice to heart—returning to that book faithfully for nearly a decade until other, similar resources eventually took its place.

This week, while searching for a stewardship text, I came across A Guide to Prayer again and immediately sat down to read. It felt like pulling a warm blanket around my shoulders on a cold winter day. The readings and meditations spoke deeply to my spirit. The benediction for the day was especially meaningful:

“You have been reminded that Jesus Christ is your Lord and that you are God’s servant. You are loved; you are forgiven; you are empowered; and now you are sent to live as God’s faithful one. Amen.”

Those words were a moment of grace—a reminder that at the very heart of this Christmas season, God comes to us. It is the greatest gift. There are many things I hope for in the life of First Community, but as we all learn sooner or later, God does not always give us what we want. Instead, God gives us what we need—God’s own presence.

I pray this simple reminder of God’s love and forgiveness meets you gently today. And may these gifts give us courage for all that lies ahead of us as a church and a community of faith.

With love,

As we move into this sacred season of anticipation, we invite you to join us for a special Christmas-themed Wednesday Gathering this evening. Rev. Dr. Glen Miles will lead an engaging presentation titled “What Really Happened on the First Christmas?”—an exploration of the nativity story that looks beyond the familiar images to consider the historical and theological truths at its heart.

This evening will offer a thoughtful look at the first Christmas, mixed with seasonal fun, including a Christmas quiz with prizes, time for conversation, and the warm fellowship our Wednesday nights are known for.

We’ll begin with a simple, family-friendly supper of chicken nuggets, salad, and cookies at 5:30 PM in Wing Grace Hall, followed by the program at 6 PM.

Come as you are and bring a friend as we enter Advent with curiosity, joy, and community.

By Rev. Dr. Glen Miles, Senior Minister

Advent has always been a season for holy imagination. Long before angels filled the sky over Bethlehem singing “Glory to God,” God was already dreaming—dreaming of a world grounded in hope, shaped by peace, rejoicing in joy, and rooted in love. Our series Dreaming with the Angels invites us to step into that divine imagination and allow it to reshape our hearts and our lives.

This year, we are listening closely for the dreams that stirred the prophets, opened the eyes of shepherds, and changed the course of Joseph’s life. My prayer is that these ancient visions awaken something within us—a renewed confidence that God is still dreaming the world toward goodness and still inviting us to be part of that dream.

Advent 1: Dreaming of Hope

Isaiah 2:1–5

We began the season by remembering that Advent starts in the dark, but it does not remain there. Hope is not passive—it is holy wakefulness, noticing the first signs of dawn even when night still lingers. Watch Part One Sermon Here.

Advent 2: Dreaming of Peace

Isaiah 11:1–10

This week, we continue with the dream of peace. Isaiah imagines peace beginning in a surprising place: a green shoot rising from a long-dead stump. It is a vision of creation so saturated with God’s presence that fear loses its grip and life is renewed.

Peace, in Scripture, is never merely the absence of conflict. It is the presence of justice, mercy, and restoration. John the Baptist understood this as he cried, “Prepare the way of the Lord.” Peace is prepared. It is tended. It is cultivated. This week, we will consider how God’s dream of peace might take root in us—and what we may need to clear away so that something new can grow.

Advent 3: Dreaming of Joy

Isaiah 35:1–10

Joy is the sound of God’s dream taking hold. Isaiah describes deserts blooming, the weak strengthened, the fearful encouraged, and sorrow giving way to song.

Joy can feel elusive, especially in seasons of exhaustion or grief. Yet the Scriptures remind us that joy does not depend on perfect circumstances. It springs up like crocuses in dry sand—unexpected, defiant, and full of promise. In the third week of Advent, we will reflect on the joy that comes from trusting that God is making all things new.

Advent 4: Dreaming of Love

Isaiah 7:10–16; Matthew 1:18–25

Before there was a manger or a star, there was a dream—Joseph’s dream. In it, an angel whispers the words that change everything: Do not be afraid.

Love always requires courage. It calls us to trust when we cannot see the whole path, to open our hearts in the midst of uncertainty, to say yes even before the full story is revealed. Joseph’s yes becomes the doorway through which God’s dream takes flesh in Jesus. In our final week of Advent, we will explore how courageous, Emmanuel love might reshape our relationships, our choices, and our lives.

This Week in Sunday School

• K–1st grade classes (9 and 11 am), and K-5th grade (10 am) will continue their study of the fruits of the spirit by studying kindness. They will read the book Babushka by Sandra Ann Horn. 

• 2nd–5th grade (9 am), and 2nd–3rd grade (11 am) will read the story The Shepherd’s Gift by Mary Calhoun and talk about the role of the shepherds in the birth of Jesus.

• 4th–7th grade class (11 am) will read the book Another Christmas by Susan L. Roth and hear a story of Christmas in Puerto Rico. They’ll discuss the importance of family, culture, and traditions.

Please go here to register for all K-12 programs.

by Julie Richards, Director of K-5 Ministry

We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who contributed to the Thanksgiving food drive benefitting Heart to Heart Food Pantry and Gladden Community House. This church-wide effort brought in over 2,570 pounds of food that will go directly to families who need some extra love and care this Thanksgiving. It is amazing what we can do when we work together.

Midweek Missions: K–5 Kids Use Their Hands to Do God’s Work

One of the primary goals of Midweek Missions is to help children recognize the needs of others and understand the power they have to make a positive impact in the world.

From September 24 to November 12, the K–7th grade Midweek Missions kids worked on projects each Wednesday evening to add meaningful details to our annual Thanksgiving Baskets. The children made cookbooks, stamped dishtowels, wrote cards, designed and decorated trivets, sorted food, counted items, and packed baskets. Throughout the weeks of work, we talked about how these projects were being made for families who may need some extra love. They were encouraged to complete each task with the same care they would offer someone they personally know and love. Their insight and thoughtfulness each week were truly inspiring.

Packing Night: Sending Love with Every Basket

On November 12, the children gathered to pack the completed projects and food into the large plastic tubs that serve as our baskets. Working in teams, they carefully followed packing lists tailored to each family’s needs. When a basket was complete, the group placed their hands on it and prayed for the receiving family:

Loving God,

May the _____ family be healthy.

May the _____ family be happy.

May the _____ family be safe.

May the _____ family feel the love we are sending them this Thanksgiving.

Thank you, God, for letting us use our hands to do your work.

Amen.

The children and youth team delivered the completed baskets to Gladden Community House on Monday, November 24. It is a blessing to be able to share our gifts with these families.

During this Christmas season, our church is bustling with joyful activities and events designed for everyone in our community. Advent is here, and there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate, connect, and grow together in faith. From festive gatherings to meaningful services, we invite you to join us throughout this month!

The 51st Annual Carols for Christmas

Saturday, December 6 | 4 pm | North Sanctuary

Celebrate the season with one of First Community’s most beloved musical traditions! Join us for the 51st Annual Carols for Christmas concert, featuring the Cambridge Choir, Chancel Choir, Whitechapel Ringers, and Marble Cliff Singers. This festive afternoon of choral and instrumental music will lift your spirit and fill your heart with the beauty and joy of Christmas. Bring your family and friends to share in this inspiring holiday tradition.

Harmonies of Hope

Wednesday, December 10 |Dinner at 5:30 PM |

Concert at 6 PM | FC North

Join us for Harmonies of Hope: A Common Grace Christmas Worship Concert — a joyful evening of music, community, and celebration. This special night will feature inspiring contemporary and traditional Christmas music led by the Common Grace Band, along with a festive sing-along for all ages.

Enjoy supper at 5:30 PM in Wing Grace Hall, where we’ll serve warm French toast casserole, perfectly seasoned sausage, and a bright medley of fresh fruit, offering a delicious start to an evening of shared community. Concert begins at 6 PM. Bring your family and friends to share in an evening that lifts the spirit and celebrates the true hope of the season!

Christmas Workshop

Wednesday, December 10, from 6–7:15 pm

We hope your child will join us for the 72nd Annual Christmas Workshop at First Community North on Wednesday, December 10, from 6–7:15 pm. Enjoy supper at 5:30 PM in Wing Grace Hall, where we’ll serve warm French toast casserole, perfectly seasoned sausage, and a bright medley of fresh fruit, offering a delicious start to an evening of shared community.

This cherished tradition is a joyful evening where children create handmade gifts and Christmas decorations for family and friends. It’s a wonderful way for them to experience the true spirit of Christmas—learning that giving from the heart is just as meaningful as receiving. 

Christmas Workshop projects are designed for elementary-age children, but younger children are welcome to participate with a grown-up helper. 

Please register by December 7 so we can prepare materials for your child. We can’t wait to celebrate the season with you! Register Today!

First Community Youth Choir Christmas Musical “Camel Lot”

Saturday, December 13 | 4 PM | FC North, Sanctuary

Join us for a joyful Christmas musical presented by our Youth Choir! This year’s production, Camel Lot from Little Big Stuff Music, takes us on a hilarious and heartfelt journey to the royal stables of Bethlehem—where young camel keepers learn that no one is too small for God’s big plans.

Through catchy songs, creative storytelling, and a few unforgettable camels, our children will remind us that the greatest gift of all isn’t found in a palace, but in a humble stable where love was born.

Bring your family, invite your friends, and come ready to smile, sing, and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas together!

Longest Night Service

December 17 | 5:30 PM Supper | 6 PM Service |

FC North 

Join us for a special Longest Night service on December 17 at 6 PM at First Community North, Sanctuary, as we come together to acknowledge the complexities of the season. While many celebrate joy and light, others may experience loss or struggle, and this service offers solace and hope through reflection and connection. Enjoy supper at 5:30 PM in Wing Grace Hall, featuring chicken, mac and cheese, salad, dessert, as we nourish both body and spirit in fellowship. Everyone is welcome in this special service as we create a space of healing and hope this holiday season. We look forward to seeing you there!

Christmas Eve: Dreams Born in Bethlehem

Isaiah 9:2–7; Luke 2:1–14

On Christmas Eve, all the dreaming of Advent finds its fulfillment. A great light shines. Angels sing. Shepherds hurry toward hope. Grace arrives quietly—in a stable crowded with animals, a travel-weary couple, and a child whose very presence declares that God is with us.

From this small beginning comes a dream vast enough to hold every heart. Hope steadies us. Peace restores us. Joy uplifts us. Love refuses to let us go.

As we move through this sacred season, I invite you to dream with me. Listen for God’s whisper. Watch the horizon for light. Trust that the same God who dreamed creation into being is still dreaming today—and dreaming through us.

4 pm South, Sanctuary - Traditional Children's Service

Join Early Childhood Director Leigh Anne Easterling and Rev. Sarah Kientz for this special children's service where you will hear the Christmas story and see the holy family.

5 pm North, Wing Grace Hall- Family Service

Join Rev. Dr. Glen Miles, First Community Clergy, and the Common Grace band for this contemporary family service.

6 pm South, Sanctuary - Lessons and Carols

Join Rev. Dr. Glen Miles, First Community Clergy, and choir for this traditional lessons and carols service.

8 and 10 pm North, Sanctuary - Lessons and Carols

Join Rev. Dr. Glen Miles, First Community Clergy, combined choirs, and orchestra for this traditional lessons and carols service.

Christmas Eve is one of our biggest and most beautiful nights of the year. To make this special night run smoothly, we rely on the warmth and hospitality of volunteers to serve as ushers and greeters. If you have a welcoming smile and a desire to share the spirit of Christmas with others, we would love to have you join the team for the evening!

Signing up is simple. Just choose the service time that works best for you by signing up at this link: Christmas Eve Volunteers Or, you may contact Kristy Glaser at kglaser@FCchurch.com and let her know when you’d like to serve. She will add you to the schedule.

No experience needed! This is a wonderful opportunity for individuals, families, or friends to serve together, and your presence can make a meaningful difference.

Thank you for helping us extend a warm and gracious welcome on this holy night!

We remember before God, all those who rejoice with us, but upon another shore, and in a greater light, that multitude which no one can number, whose hope was in the Word made flesh, and with whom in the

Lord Jesus we are one forevermore.

The Sanctuary decorations for the Christmas Eve services are provided by these memorial gifts. Each name submitted will be added to a video presentation which will be underscored by music and distributed digitally in church-wide emails and on our church social media platforms. To purchase a memorial, please click here.

Please note: there will be no poinsettia to pick-up, all memorials will be digital. 

Our Advent issue of firstnews was delivered to inboxes last week, offering a beautiful collection of resources to help guide and ground you during this sacred season.

Inside, you’ll find thoughtful clergy reflections for each week of Advent, an introduction to our Dreaming with the Angels theme, and two companion pieces designed to support your spiritual practice at home: our Advent Devotional and this year’s interactive Advent Calendar. These materials invite you to pause, reflect, and step more deeply into the hope, peace, joy, and love at the heart of the Christmas story.

If you haven’t had a chance to read it yet—or want to revisit these meaningful resources—we invite you to take a moment and explore.

Read the Advent firstnews here.

by Rose Konrath, Governing Board Chair

Hello First Community, and welcome to December. The weather is colder now, and daylight is in shorter supply. Christmas is just around the corner. For me, this season marks the beginning of a more introspective time as we close out the year and prepare for what comes next—a time for prayer.

Hard Things

I volunteer with Freedom a la Cart, serving women in the Franklin County CATCH Court program. Freedom a la Cart empowers survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation to build lives of freedom and self-sufficiency.

Each year, volunteers host a Thanksgiving luncheon for the women. Turkey, stuffing, ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, mac and cheese, rolls with butter, and more desserts than I could count. Seconds, thirds, and to-go boxes are always on offer.

This year, as I approached the host church building, something seemed off. I rolled my cart inside and discovered there was no power. AEP estimated at least a full day before restoration. It was far too late to relocate or cancel.

A recovery plan kicked in quickly: manually lighting the stove and ovens, buying lanterns, using the church’s flashlights and battery candles, picking up cartons of coffee, setting the tables—step by step, we adapted. And it worked. More than sixty people were served a hot meal by candle and lantern light as we offered our thanks for the meal and for this remarkable community. No power? No problem.

November Governing Board Highlights

The Governing Board met on November 19 ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. Here are a few highlights:

• South Assessment Task Force – Tom Stewart, Chair, presented the formal recommendation on the future of FC South to the Governing Board. The recommendation was shared with our congregation in the November 21, 2025 A Word from Glen email.
• Finance – Chair Mark Hollinger, Executive Minister John Girard, and Rev. Glen Miles reviewed our financial results.
• Nominating Committee – Immediate Past Chair April Howe completed the next step in identifying candidates for the First Community Nominating Committee.

Gratitude

We are deeply grateful for the wonderful work of our First Community clergy and staff. They do so much to enrich our lives, maintain our facilities, and carry out countless tasks behind the scenes. I couldn’t help but smile as the K–5 children skipped and bounced out of Sunday service, eager to join Miss Julie and Miss Mary Ann for Sunday School. Our clergy and staff are especially busy during this season as we enter Advent and prepare for Christmas. Our thanks and appreciation overflow.

Governing Board Chairs

One of the gifts of serving on the Governing Board is the continuity of leadership and experience. A GB Chair serves alongside an Immediate Past Chair and a Vice-Chair. When a GB Chair completes their year of service, they remain on the board for an additional year as Immediate Past Chair. Together, the Chair, Past Chair, and Vice-Chair work to learn from one another and share perspectives as they navigate both routine business and the unique challenges that may arise.

Pictured: L to R: Immediate Past Chair April Howe, Current Chair Rose Konrath, and Vice-Chair Jennifer Short, who will serve as Chair beginning in early 2026.

Next Meeting Date

The next Governing Board meeting is Monday, December 15, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at First Community North, Room 101. Our key priority will be continued review and discussion of the South Assessment Task Force recommendation.

We will also address:

• Finance review and budget update
• Audit results

Praying

By Mary Oliver

It doesn’t have to be

The blue iris, it could be

Weeds in a vacant lot, or a few

Small stones; just

pay attention, then patch

a few words together and don’t try

to make them elaborate, this isn’t

a contest but the doorway

into thanks, and a silence in which

another voice may speak.

Until Next Month

If there is something you would like to ask, recommend, or discuss, please reach out to me, and we can schedule a call or meeting.

Blessings to you,

Rose Konrath

by Rev. John Girard, Executive Minister

October offered encouraging signs of continued participation and momentum—not only in the Finish Strong campaign, but across several areas of our operating budget. While much of October’s improvement reflects timing, rather than long-term trend, it still points to a community that remains deeply engaged, faithful, and committed to the future of First Community.

We closed October $142k better than budget. Pledge payments were $35,k ahead, largely due to timing. Contributions exceeded expectations by $70k, including a generous $50k Finish Strong gift. Akita rentals were $16k ahead, again mostly timing after being slightly under in September. Friends of Media came in $5,000 over, thanks to a single $6,000 contribution to support our online ministry. And Crossroads was $5,000 better, though this too reflects timing—retreat income was recognized, but not all corresponding expenses are in yet.

For the year, we are now $216k better than budget, still shaped primarily by the extraordinary generosity flowing through the Finish Strong campaign. These Finish Strong gifts continue to reduce both our capital debt and the long-standing operating deficit that has burdened our ministry for many years.

Your commitment to First Community, and to our shared future, remains both encouraging and hope-filled. Every gift—every pledge, every act of generosity—creates space for new possibility. To date we have received $1.24M in total gifts and pledges to the Finish Strong Campaign. We can begin to see the contours of a future no longer constrained by debt or deficit - a future where our ministries expand freely, our mission unfolds boldly, and our capacity to dream God-sized dreams grows more vibrant with each passing month.

But we’re not there yet.

And still, we continue dreaming into First Community’s next chapters. Do we know what all those dreams will become yet? Absolutely not—and that is the holy mystery of dreaming. Scripture reminds us that dreams and visions are among the ways God dwells securely in our midst. With your commitments, your faithfulness, and your willingness to see beyond the horizon, we continue to dream with growing clarity.

We are also grateful to share that we successfully negotiated an extension on our interest-only loan payments through January 31, 2026, giving us greater flexibility as we continue to pay down the principal. In May of this year, when we began the Finish Strong Campaign, that loan balance was $2,132,186. As of the writing of this article, our loan balance is $1,204.686. This is a remarkable shift when we remember that this capital debt was over $5.7M in January 2021.

At the same time, we remain focused on eliminating the operating deficit. The forecast shows us finishing the year about $150,000 better than budget, again due largely to the success of Finish Strong. All Program Staff members have been asked to identify all necessary spending between now and year-end so we can remain disciplined and avoid any unplanned expenses. As always, we stay attentive to the unexpected, but for now, the business office is comfortable with the forecast.

As of the October Governing Board meeting (November financials have not yet been finalized), our cash flow deficit was $439,000. This does not include the anticipated revenue from the regular timber harvests at Camp Akita. Timber has been marked and released for bid; bids are due December 12, with contracts signed by December 26. We expect to receive a 30% deposit at that time, along with the timber company’s invoice (10%). The net to First Community is projected at $90,000–$100,000, which will reduce the cash-flow deficit accordingly.

First Community, your generosity, prayers, and presence continue to write a remarkable chapter in the life of our church. Thank you for your steadfast commitment, your participation, and your belief in what God is doing through First Community. As we remember our past and imagine our future, may we continue to dream boldly, give faithfully, and hope expansively.

If you are someone who typically makes charitable gifts at year-end, would you consider a gift to Finish Strong? And if you are eligible, please consider using a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) to meet your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD). Knowing your intentions in advance helps us plan wisely for the year ahead. Please reach out to me (jgirard@FCchurch.com) or to Liz Compton (LCompton@FCchurch.com), our Controller, with any questions.

Thank you, First Community, for your enduring faithfulness. Together, we continue moving toward a future unencumbered by debts and deficits—and filled with the freedom to dream with ease.

Camp Akita Store Christmas Sale – All December Long!

This December, give the gift of Akita! The Camp Akita Store is hosting a special Christmas Sale all month long, with markdowns on every item — including plenty of fun and meaningful stocking stuffers perfect for friends, family, counselors, and campers.

You can shop the sale in two convenient ways:

• In person on Sundays or Wednesdays at The Gathering
• Online anytime at fcchurchmerch.com/campakitastore

This year’s sale also features custom-made Akita Christmas ornaments crafted by First Community member Glenn Zook. These beautiful keepsakes make wonderful gifts, and all proceeds support Camp Akita Scholarships, helping more campers experience the joy of Akita.

Have questions? We’re here to help!

📧 store@campakita.org

📞 (614) 488-0681

Don’t miss your chance to share a little Akita spirit this Christmas while supporting a great cause!

Camp Akita Summer 2026

Get ready—summer at Camp Akita is almost here! First Community members can register for all Summer 2026 programs starting January 10 at 9 am, including Family Camp and 1, 2, 3… Akita!

A camper qualifies as a member if their parent, guardian, or grandparent is a First Community member—so if that’s you, enjoy the perk and register early! Member Priority Registration runs through 4 pm on Friday, January 23.

Here’s the good news: Most First Community members secure their first-choice session when they register during this two-week priority window. Once Open Registration begins January 24, sessions fill fast—really fast—so don’t wait!

Find session dates and all registration info at CampAkita.org. Questions? Email the Columbus Akita Offices or call (614) 488-0681 ext. 113.

Camp Akita Winter Rental Specials

Winter at Camp Akita is one of the most peaceful, beautiful seasons of the year — and now is the perfect time to plan your getaway. Whether you’re looking for a cozy retreat, a family weekend, or a small-group gathering, our cabins offer comfort, quiet, and the natural beauty of the Hocking Hills in winter.

From December 1, 2025 through February 28, 2026, enjoy a 20% discount on any new reservation made after December 1, 2025.

This special applies to all Camp Akita rental cabins, making it easier than ever to plan a winter escape.

Explore cabin descriptions and amenities at campakita.org/descriptions.

To ask questions or reserve your cabin:

📧 rentals@campakita.org

📞 (614) 488-0681 ext. 113

Don’t miss this chance to enjoy Camp Akita at a special winter rate — book your stay and experience the quiet beauty of the season.

Mission & Justice: December Update

As we move through this holy season, the Mission & Justice Ministry continues to embody the hope, peace, joy, and love of Advent through meaningful action in our community. This month’s newsletter highlights ongoing partnerships, year-end opportunities to support neighbors in need, and ways to engage more deeply with the work of compassion and justice at First Community.

You’ll find updates on:

• Heart to Heart holiday needs
• Refugee & immigrant support
• Winter warmth initiatives
• Upcoming service opportunities
• And more stories of impact from our Mission & Justice teams

We invite you to take a few moments to read, reflect, and join us in the good work ahead.

• Read more: https://conta.cc/3LFt0xF

Christmas Eve Offering

by Rev. John Girard, Executive Minister

This year 100% of our Christmas Eve offering will support the mission and ministries of First Community Church. In years past, these gifts were received for specific ministries within our Mission Department. Those offerings have blessed many lives, in many places, and in many ways – creating a ripple effect of generosity and compassion far beyond the reaches of First Community. Thank you for all the ways you have been a part of those ripples!

This year, First Community is widening it’s vision. By directing the Christmas Eve offering to the mission and ministry of the whole church, we are able to not only support the work happening around us today—we are also opening the door to the dreams God is planting for our future. Your generosity of resources – as well as mind and spirit – helps us reach more people in more ways as we continue growing in service, compassion, and discipleship.

Your gifts this Christmas help shine Christ’s light even farther, as they strengthen the ministry we share as a community of hope, healing, and love. Thank you, First Community Mission & Justice partners, for all the ways your work and passions make our communities and world a better place. You truly do make a difference!

Christmas Kindness Project

by Amy Caskie

Participating families were chosen from current clients that have not been supported by Heart to Heart or First Community in the past three years. Twenty families created wish lists of four gifts for each of their children.

Donors can choose which of those gifts to purchase and donate. Information about these gifts is available on the Christmas Kindness Project displays outside worship spaces at both church locations. There are only 34 gifts remaining to be claimed!

The donated items should be returned with a gift receipt and the ornament tag attached. Gifts must be returned by Sunday, December 14. Once collected, the unwrapped gifts will be tagged with the children’s names and given to the families.

It was a packed house on both November 5 and 12 at The Gathering as Rev. Mary Kate Buchanan led a two-part series known as The Conversation Project. Adults of all ages came together to learn about the importance of talking with loved ones about their wishes for care through the end of life—so those wishes can be understood and honored.

Over the past several years, a common refrain has echoed through hospital rooms, hospice centers, and the pastoral care office: “I wish we would have talked about this.” We believe these conversations belong at the kitchen table—not in the intensive care unit—with the people who matter most, long before a crisis arises.

It’s not an easy topic, but the room was buzzing as participants reflected together on what matters most to them and how they hope to live through the end of their lives. Once the discussions began, many people stayed long after each session ended, continuing meaningful conversations with one another.

With loved ones gathering for the holidays soon, the timing couldn’t be better to begin—or revisit—these important discussions. A follow-up session to check in on how the conversations are going will take place on February 25 at The Gathering.

If you were unable to attend or would like a recap and access to all of the resources, everything you need is below.

Video Resources

Use the link below to access Pastor Mary Kate’s sermon leading up to The Conversation Project events, “We Can Do Hard Things,” along with videos of both sessions:

https://vimeo.com/showcase/11965674?share=copy&fl=sm&fe=fe

Learn More About The Conversation Project

Visit the website for free downloadable guides, including the Conversation Starter Guide, the What Matters to Me workbook, a Guide for Talking with a Health Care Team, a Guide to Choosing a Health Care Proxy, and many other helpful tools.

The Conversation Project – Have You Had the Conversation?

First Community Funeral and Memorial Service Planning Guide

This guide allows individuals and families to pre-plan memorial services at First Community. The printable version can be kept with your important documents and shared with your designated contact person(s). You may also place a copy on file in the Pastoral Care office by scanning and emailing it to Jane Torbica at jtorbica@FCchurch.com, calling (614) 488-0681 ext. 235, or mailing it to First Community South (1320 Cambridge Blvd, Columbus, OH 43212). A fillable version is also available—be sure to save the file after completing it. Click here to download.

Recommended Reading

Pastor Mary Kate also recommends Being Mortal by Atul Gawande—a brief but powerful exploration of aging, mortality, and how medicine can better support people in living meaningful, dignified lives through the end of life. This book is available in the Church Merch Bookstore and on Amazon:

Being Mortal: Gawande, Atul: 9781250076229: Amazon.com: Books

Another resource referenced during the sessions is the Peace of Mind Planner: Important Information about My Belongings, Business Affairs, and Wishes by Peter Pauper Press Inc. This guided planner helps you organize essential information—contacts, legal matters, health details, financial documents, instructions, and more. Because it includes sensitive information (yes, even passwords!), be sure to store it somewhere secure. It is available on Amazon:

Peace of Mind Planner: Important Information about My Belongings, Business Affairs, and Wishes

We look forward to seeing you at The Gathering as the conversation continues on Wednesday, February 25!

Elder Wisdom

Click on each graphic for more information or to register.

Sunday Mornings

Wednesday Mornings

Thursday Evenings

Monday Mornings

Thursday Mornings

Third Saturdays

by Amy Wood

This fall, the Women’s Guild added a new guild group specifically for younger women. The Women’s Guild welcomes women of all ages, but most of the current members are older and many have been with their groups for decades, building friendship and community since they themselves were younger women.

I have been a member of the Women’s Guild for two years and have always felt welcome in my group (shout out to Guild Group D – you all are amazing!), even though I am much younger than the other women. After several conversations with longtime guild members about how younger women in the church aren’t really connected to the Women’s Guild, I was encouraged to start a new group.

This new guild gives the younger women of First Community an opportunity to share life together and build friendship and community while serving others, just as the older women in the guild have done throughout the years.

The new group, Guild F – named for “family,” including the friends who are our chosen family – meets on the second Tuesday of each month. We’ve held two meetings so far, with eight members attending and several more women planning to join when the time is right for them. During the November meeting, guild member and co-chair, Carol Claussen, led the group in making fall pumpkin crafts, which were then donated to patients at Kobacker House.

Our group meetings have been filled with laughter, fun, snacks, getting to know each other, and lots of great ideas for future programming and service projects. The reflection shared at the November meeting reminded us that we won’t be remembered for what doctrines we followed or what rules we kept, but for how we treated one another: holding space for both joys and sorrows, sharing kindness, and how well we loved.

Guild F is open to new members, and we would love for anyone interested to join us! Please reach out to Nancy Withers at nancyfly70@gmail.com if you would like to be a part of Guild F.

On Tuesday, November 4, the Women’s Guild hosted the annual Betty O’Neill Election Day Bake Sale at both the North and South First Community voting locations. In addition to a wide array of baked goods and snacks, volunteers offered four varieties of homemade soups and sloppy joes. 

Even though this was an off-year election with an anticipated lower turnout, both sites enjoyed a steady stream of customers. By day’s end, all the hot dishes and nearly all the baked goods sold out, raising approximately $2,000. 

Proceeds from the sale will support needed projects around the church and benefit local nonprofit organizations. 

Gives Something that means something. Give blood and give the gift of life. Come to give blood at the First Community Church South's blood drive on Wednesday, December 10 from 10 am- 4 pm. To schedule an appointment, click here.

Each year First Community is pleased to present our third graders with their very own Bible. The gift of a Bible is an important milestone in a child’s faith development. Bibles will be presented on January 25, 2026, during the 10 am South and 11 am North worship services. 

To reserve a Bible for your third grader, click here. Children in 4th and 5th grade who did not receive a Bible previously are welcome to participate. For your child’s Bible to be personalized with their name, your registration must be submitted by January 11, 2026. 

Details about the Bible presentation ceremony will be sent to participants in an email the week before the event.  

For more information, please contact Julie Richards jrichards@FCchurch.com 

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