Rev. Glen Miles, Senior Minister

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” The Bible begins, naturally, in the beginning. Genesis 1 is a marvelous theological reverie on how it all might have started, but more than that, it is the amazing and beautiful declaration that we humans are “very good.” (Genesis 1:31)

At the beginning of a new year, it is good to recall that no matter what we may think about ourselves or how harsh the previous year may have been, God looks at you and me and says, “Yes, you are part of my very good creation. You, as you are, are worthy of love.”

Theologian Walter Brueggemann reflects on a similar idea when he proclaims, “Nobody is profane or unclean. Nobody can be discounted. Nobody is second-class. Nobody is subject to dismissal. Nobody should be cheap labor. Nobody should suffer systems of violence.” His words are a powerful outline of our church’s mission. We proclaim that God’s love is for all. We do not see any human being as second class or somehow less than their own humanness. 

This declaration in and of itself is a beginning of sorts. Or, maybe, it is the naming of the desire to begin again, as if for the first time. The time-honored tradition of making New Year’s resolutions is something like this. When we declare that we will exercise more regularly or stay in contact more often with loved ones throughout the year ahead, we say what we already know to be true. These things matter. Love matters. Grace matters. Simple gifts like the one to keep our bodies moving everyday matter. 

At the beginning of a new year, we can reorient ourselves in line with the goodness of God’s grace. The poet David Whyte helps us recognize this is not easy, but the only place to begin is at the beginning. He writes, “Beginning is difficult, and our rituals of insulation and delay are a fine, ever-present measure of our reluctance in taking that first, simple, close-in, courageous step to reclaim our happiness.”

Whyte calls on us to take a simple first step toward the things we know matter most. We don’t need to make grand declarations or discover deep wisdom. We need to walk in the way we know will make a difference in your life and mine. We also want to remember that often, the person we need to be most gracious toward is the one we see in the mirror.

In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, God looked at you, yes you, and declared you are very good. May that simple yet profound truth guide you daily in the new year.

Rev. Glen Miles, Senior Minister

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. Deb Lindsay, Minister Emeritus at First Community, recommended the book to me. I am surprised by how thoughtful and honest Mr. Perry is in his book. Sadly, as many of you know, Mr. Perry's life ended tragically in October 2023. I'm enjoying the research on this series, filled with insights on faith and friendship.

Interested in membership at First Community? Join Senior Minister Glen Miles and Director of Membership Engagement Kristy Glaser on Saturday, January 20, at 9:30 am, FC North, to learn more! Email Kristy Glaser at kglaser@FCchurch.com to register.

Sunday School

This Sunday we will learn about and celebrate Epiphany. It is the day we remember the Magi arriving from afar to honor baby Jesus. All classes will hear a version of the Epiphany story and will get to see and smell frankincense and myrrh.

Midweek Missions

The Gathering including dinner, worship, Bible study, Midweek Missions, choir, and Pre-K Sing and Play will resume Wednesday, January 10 at 5:30 pm in Grace Hall at First Community North. Children are welcome to join Wednesday evening programs even if they have not attended previously.

There are many sayings, like "Everything happens for a reason," that are often attributed to the Bible and are not found anywhere in the sacred texts. Well-meaning folks quote phrases like this, but they can be emotionally and spiritually damaging. During this four-week study, we will look at eight of these sayings not found in the Bible and discover more helpful words and phrases to use in place of the harmful ones.

by Molly Hagkull, Governing Board Chair

I'm grateful to our staff and lay leaders for the many ways they guided us through Advent and Christmas. I found deep meaning in the Longest Night service led by Revs. Mary Kate and Sarah, Andy Blosser, and our Congregational Care Ministry members. As a part of worship, we wrote anonymous prayers on paper moons, and then, as we left in quiet, we were given someone else's paper moon. The moon I received allowed me to utilize my teacher's skill of interpreting kids' writing. What a blessing to be in community amid the winter darkness and to uplift a child's prayer. "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." – John 1:5

How can we commit to being light in the world, both alone and together? First Community continues to offer many opportunities for service and fellowship. As a Governing Board, we joined together in December for both pursuits. Thank you to Julie Miles for preparing an incredible meal for our Board Christmas party. While we did not have an official business meeting in December, the finance committee reviewed the proposed 2024 budget submitted by the business office. Additionally, the board considered candidates for the Church Nominating Committee slate.

As you may remember, last year, the church approved changes to our constitution that adjusted the process for selecting Nominating Committee members so it better aligns with our values and ensures the committee more accurately represents our congregation. Past Chair Alice Finley helped us determine needs on the current Nominating Committee and led us in identifying church members who could fill those needs. We hope that by reflecting our church's various demographics and ministry areas, the Nominating Committee can access a wider pool of future Governing Board and Diaconate candidates. The full slate of candidates will be shared in First Community communications later this month.

It has been a privilege to serve as Governing Board Chair this year. Thank you for your questions, ideas, and many words of encouragement. I hope you'll join me in person or online at our annual meeting on Saturday, February 3, as we usher in our leadership for 2024!

God of Light, May January's slowly lengthening days bring to light the many ways to serve the world. Nudge us toward connections. Encourage us toward new perspectives. Bless our commitments to work and love in your name. Amen.

As you review this financial update, I encourage you to do so by beginning with the beliefs of First Community:

• Modeling God’s unconditional love
• Acceptance which transcends tolerance
• Taking the Bible seriously, but not literally
• Other pathways to the Divine
• Compassionate action
• Honoring tradition

These beliefs serve as the starting point from which all our ministries and programs emerge. The church staff and the Governing Board are always thinking of innovative approaches to programs and ministries that put these beliefs into action. We invite you to participate in the exciting vision that First Community has and consider how God can continue to work through our church by the generous offering of your time, talent, and resources.

2023 Pledges

We are about $85,000 short on our 2023 pledge target. However, we are finishing 2023 in the black, as staff have done an excellent job this year of cutting expenses. The Operating pledge campaign sustains the church, including, Worship & Arts, staff salaries, building maintenance, and utilities. By pledging, you connect in a very real way to the ministries and programs of First Community. You can click here to pay on your 2023 pledge.

2024 Pledges

If you haven’t made your 2024 pledge yet, please consider doing so today. You can click here to make your 2024 pledge.

New Horizons Capital Campaign

The final push of the New Horizons campaign has resulted in total pledges of $2,957,575.74 against a goal of $4,500,000. We are so grateful for those who have participated in this campaign, yet the ongoing interest of this debt poses a real threat to our operating budget beginning in June 2024. You can help to eliminate the debt by:

• Making an outright cash gift to the New Horizons Campaign
• Donating your Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) to the New Horizons Campaign.
• Donating appreciated stock to the New Horizons Campaign.
• Purchasing a niche at our Columbarium at North. 90% of the purchase price goes to our New Horizons campaign.

You can click here to support this critically important campaign. 

First Community Worship & Arts Department is pleased to announce that Taae Hamid will be joining the staff as organist.

Taae is a second-year master’s student in piano and organ performance at Ohio University studying under the tutelage of Dr. Christopher Fisher and Dr. Paul Barte. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in piano performance from Ohio University. 

During his undergraduate studies, Taae participated in many activities and projects to create a greater interest for classical music in southeastern Ohio. His senior thesis titled, “Classical Music in Southeast Ohio: The Impact of Performance on a Rural Community” deals with the lack of participation in classical music within southeastern Ohio and seeks to find ways to create greater interest in the study of music. In addition, Taae was an active member of multiple organizations including the Music Teachers National Association and the American Guild of Organists during his studies to improve in teaching and motivating younger generations of students.

A native of Lancaster, Ohio, Taae was recently married to his wife Aaliyah who works as an MRI technologist at the Ohio State East Hospital. When he is not practicing, Taae loves to spend time with his wife, doing activities such as hiking or watching movies together.  

Please extend a warm welcome to Taae, who will begin this Sunday at FC North.

Camp Akita is hiring Counselors for summer 2024! In years past, you have heard us struggling to find male Counselors—this year is the opposite! We have a shortage of female applicants! 

Do you know a fun-loving, responsible, and kind person who would be a great Counselor? Send them our way!⁠ All applicants must be 18 and at least one year out of high school (graduated in spring 2023 or before).⁠ We’re looking for new and familiar faces, so whether you’re a seasoned Camp Akita camper or you’ve never been to Camp Akita before, we want you to apply!⁠ 

Find more info at CampAkita.org/apply or email our Camp Director, Rev. Sarah Kientz, directly at sarah@campakita.org. 

High school students (grades 9-12) are invited to join our 2024 Block of Wood Confirmation class! Together, we will discuss the value of a faith community, hear from speakers on First Community's history and theology, and spend time thinking about personal faith. At the end of the class, participants will be Confirmed as members of First Community Church. 

Block of Wood Confirmation Class 

Mondays, February 5, 12, and 19 

Block of Wood Confirmation Sunday 

Sunday, February 25, 11 am 

Registration is now open to join the class! This registration is free but required, and we ask that you please register by Monday, January 29. Questions? Please email Rev. Sarah Kientz at skientz@FCchurch.com. 

Experience a more powerful spring break! This year’s Mexico Mission Trip is March 19 – 27, 2024. The trip is $1200 per participant, which includes airfare, meals, and building materials. The trip fee is considered a charitable donation and is entirely tax-deductible. The Mexico Mission Trip is open for high school students, college students, and their family members. To learn more and register, visit our Mexico Mission Trip website. 

Interested in the trip but have questions? Please contact Rev. Sarah Kientz at skientz@FCchurch.com. Thank you! 

First Community’s Youth Ministry has once again partnered with Bloomtastic Florist in Upper Arlington to raise money for youth mission projects. This makes for a wonderful gift! 

The gift that keeps giving! 

For $75, you purchase a Flower-a-Month Club Membership Card for yourself or a loved one. Purchase the card online, then pick it up at First Community North. Use the card to redeem your first bouquet at Bloomtastic Florist (2136 Arlington Ave.) this month or wait as long as you’d like to begin. Once you redeem your first bouquet, your membership is active for 12 consecutive months. This makes a great gift: fresh flowers throughout the year! 

How does our Youth Ministry benefit? 

For each $75 membership card purchased, our Mexico Mission Trip receives $25. Additional donations will go directly to the Mexico Trip. 

Find more information and purchase your card here: $75 Flower-a-Month Club. 

by Julie Richards

Each year, First Community is pleased to present our third graders with their very own Bible. The gift of a Bible is a symbolic milestone in a child’s faith development. Bibles will be presented on January 28, 2024, 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 his or her name, your registration must be submitted by January 16, 2024.  

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

Help support the ministries of First Community! Our new online store, First Community Church Merch, is open with items from First Community, Camp Akita, Heart to Heart, and the Spiritual Life & Learning Center (SLLC) Bookstore. You can order items online and then pick up at the North Reception desk, or pay a small fee to have them shipped to your home.  

An in-person store is open following worship services at our North facility in Grace Hall. Browse the items after church on Sundays or during the Gathering on Wednesdays! 

Please email for more information or call (614) 488-0681 for questions. 

The Spiritual Life and Learning Center is excited to launch the 2024 Spiritual Searcher program series on January 27 and 28. The Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, the first woman, and the first African American woman, to lead the United Church of Christ as General Minister and President will lead a program at FC North the morning of Saturday, January 27 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. She will then preach at all three services on Sunday, January 28.

Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson is a gifted writer and poet whose writings have been published in books, journals, and on-line publications. Her book of poetry Drums in Our Veins was published in 2020 and is a compilation of poems focused on the injustices facing people of African descent and the fight for racial justice globally. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, her poetry, and writings reflect her Jamaican heritage and culture as well as the traditions and lore of her ancestors.

Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson is an ordained minister, administrator, theologian, and poet with an impactful history of working in the church and in ecumenical and nonprofit organizations. She is skilled in executive leadership with a focus on fiscal management, organizational development, and change leadership. For more information about her click here.

Registration for the program on Saturday, January 27 from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm is recommended but not required. If you would like to register for the event, please click here.

SAVE THE DATE 

Join us for food, friends, fellowship, and a learning experience as the Older Adult Ministry Team hosts Lunch & Learn, scheduled for Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at noon in Grace Hall, FC North. Stay tuned for more details and registration coming soon!

Click below to read the On a Mission! monthly news. In this month’s news you can find more information about:



• Deep Griha Society was established in Pune, India in 1975. First Community has a long-standing history with the Mission. Learn more about the mission and how you can support it.
• Heart to Heart’s monthly update is overflowing with information, including updates/results of year-end efforts and plans for 2024.
• Refugee Ministry Team’s monthly update includes a summary of their work in 2023 and photos with the most recently welcomed family.
• Our monthly update from the Trading Post includes year-end results and interesting tidbits about what goes on in the store.
• A summary of the work of the Mission Finance Team in 2023 includes a list of grants awarded to various organizations and individuals.
• Our Monday Night Meals volunteers were recently honored for 40 years of service to Friends of the Homeless.

Our first Mission teams meeting of 2024 will be an opportunity for all those interested in learning more or getting involved with Missions. This will take place on Tuesday, January 23 at 6pm in Grace Hall at FC North in place of our typical monthly All Teams meeting. 

This invite is for everyone: not just new church members, but those looking to get involved with Missions for the first time, or those interested in a new ministry team.

Our goal is to host a low-pressure, high-energy, information-filled session and to provide folks with opportunities to decide where they fit in best. Snacks will be served!

by Rick Greene, Mission Finance Team

The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. Proverbs 18:15

In 1975, medical practitioner Dr. Neela Onawale and her husband Bhaskar Onawale started a one-room clinic to treat the residents of Pune's marginalized community. With the help of like-minded friends, Deep Griha Society (DG) began operations in July of that year and, within a further two years, was serving more than 100 people a day. Their daughter, Ashlesha, is currently the director of the Society.

From treating patients, Dr. Onawale quickly realized that many of the medical conditions affecting the slum community were caused by malnutrition. Since 1975, Deep Griha (meaning "lighthouse") has constantly expanded and adapted its services to empower the disadvantaged community through support and education, giving people the skills and confidence they need to improve their lives.

Over the years, the Society has developed a strong rapport with the community by ensuring that community members have a platform to participate in the initiation and development of programs. This ensures that programs are relevant and valued by the community. Deep Griha's field workers are in the community daily to follow up with participants and provide their opinions and experiences to the Deep Griha decision-makers.

One of its aims is always ensuring that its funds are spent where they are most needed. With this in mind, it has been responsive to the community's changing needs and to work with other organizations so Deep Griha does not avoid duplicating services.

Pune is a city in west-central Maharashtra state in western India and is the cultural capital of the Maratha people. The city first became the capital of the Bhonsle Marathas in the 17th century. The Mughals temporarily captured it, but it again served as the official Maratha capital from 1714 until it fell to the British in 1817. It was the seasonal capital of the Bombay Presidency and is now a popular tourist resort, offering cool weather, historical and religious monuments, museums, parks, hotels, and cultural attractions. Pune has long been considered a significant educational and cultural center.

Deep Griha has a history of working with the Tadiwala Road, Ramtekadi, and Bibvewadi communities. Additional information can be located at deepgriha.org.

The Trustees of Deep Griha USA recently shared newsletter information about the activities and status of crucial DG programs. This newsletter presented a tribute to the late Sandy Wood—Friend, Mentor, and Visionary, and also a long-time member of First Community with his wife, Barbara. Sandy provided the heart and soul of the Deep Griha USA organization. His passion and vision for this community and organization will be ingrained in the organization's DNA. The Wood family selected Counseling and Agriculture as the initiatives they believe will reflect Sandy's wishes.

First Community Church has actively supported this organization for several years. Besides promoting fundraisers, the Missions community has provided funding for renovating the outdoor kitchen and eating area in Tadiwala Road Center. This renovation has upgraded the previous kitchen space, which doubles up as a drop-in center for senior citizens. This funding helped Deep Griha to have additional space for activities designed around the community's older members.

In 2007, some members of First Community Church formed Deep Griha USA, a non-profit organization in Columbus (several FC members are current and past Board members). The organization's purposes are to raise funds for Deep Griha, report to USA donors on the cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and transparency of Deep Griha as observed on visits to Pune by our representatives, and respond to Deep Griha's requests for assistance.

During its first year, the organization helped raise capital funds of more than $140,000 for schools in Pune. Since then, other organizations have supported Deep Griha, including those in Central Ohio, such as First Congregational Church, Dublin Community Church, Rotary Club of Upper Arlington, and Rotary Club of Dublin. Other supporting organizations include the Medina Rotary Club (Medina, OH), Raleigh Mennonite Church (Raleigh, NC), United Church of Christ Headquarters, and Global Ministries (Cleveland, Ohio).

Deep Griha USA treasures the continued commitment and the work being done. It continues to be a challenging time, and asks that we prayerfully consider that people can assist in the work being done to improve the lives of families and children in India. If desired, they ask you to consider your contributions directly through the website.

If you want more information about Deep Griha, First Community Church, and its other Missions programs, please email us at mission@FCchurch.com.

Do your intentions for 2024 include love, kindness, compassion, service or joy? If so, we have a January opportunity to practice your intention in support of Columbus area LGBTQ+ youth. 

We are coordinating a Kaleidoscope Youth Center (KYC) Supply Drive to ensure that the center can offer resources for food and clothing, wellness programming, homework support, life skills, and an affirming place for LGBTQ+ youth to feel at home in their most authentic, confident self.   

As an open and affirming congregation, we stand with the team at KYC in providing care and compassion to the youth they serve. 

Three ways you could support this project (one or all):  

1. Visit KYC’s Amazon Wishlist to shop for the items they need this winter to support their kids. If you shop this wishlist, please be sure to ship the items directly to KYC when you are checking out. You can comment in your order that it is a purchase on behalf of First Community Church’s January supply drive. 
2. Bring brand-new winter clothing or personal care items (examples can be found here) to our collection event at First Community North (3777 Dublin Rd.) on January 21, 2024, at 12:30 pm. 
3. Join us on January 21, 2024, at 12:30 pm to help us sort donations and write supportive notes for the youth at KYC. All ages are welcome at the event! 

There are more details on the First Community LGBTQ+ Advocacy page.  You can also reach out to Kristyn Anderson at kanderson@FCchurch.com with any additional questions.  

We hope you will join us in this chance to create a warm and welcoming world for our youth and community! 

The Women’s Guild had a very active and enjoyable 2023!  

The year began with Guild Group A’s sponsorship of the ever-popular Frozen Soup & Casserole Sale following worship. (Watch for the upcoming sale at North on February 18, 2024!)  

As is the case every year, around Valentine’s Day, the Guild celebrated our wonderful, caring, and diligent church staff, and this year was no different.  

The year continued with the All-Church Women’s Luncheon in April with guest speaker Susan Reid, the sister of Jerrie Mock, the first woman to fly solo around the world in a single-engine plane. 

Soliciting donations from the congregation at large, the Guild hosted a Mini Garage Sale on the South location parking lot in conjunction with the Grandview Community Garage Sale. The sale was very successful for a one-day event, netting over $3,500. (Start saving your donations now for the 2nd Annual Mini Garage Sale to be held on the first Saturday in May!)  

Guild Sunday and Lemonade Sunday led into the Annual Program Year Kickoff and Officer Installation Potluck, where a speaker and resident shared information and life stories from the Amethyst House Recovery Program for women and their children. More than a vanload of donations was provided by Guild Members for the Amethyst residents, from toiletries and hygiene products to diapers and cleaning supplies.  

The Annual Betty O’Neill Election Day Bake Sale in November netted over $2,500!  

Guild Groups met regularly throughout the year for friendship, socialization, programs, and eating out. Groups offered programs to all women, including Chair Yoga, Self-Defense for Women, and Properties of Aging.  

Groups also did various outreach activities such as working at the MidOhio Food Collective, making Bean Soup Ingredient Jars for Heart-to-Heart Pop-up Pantry recipients, creating blankets for the Kobacker House, as well as sending hand-written uplifting notes. And, of course, the groups were busy meeting requests for baked goods for funerals and various occasions.  

Overall, it has been a fun-filled, active, productive, and supportive year for the Women’s Guild! 

If you want to join one of the Women’s Guild Groups, please contact Nancy Withers at (614) 571-4469 or nancyfly70@gmail.com.  

The Women’s Guild of First Community offers blessings to all for a healthy and happy New Year! 

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