An Open and Affirming, Just Peace, Green Justice, Global Mission Congregation

No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here!

Sometimes, depending on the email server used, this e-newsletter is clipped.

Please look for "[Message clipped] View entire message" to view

the entire First Things First, or click here.

Reception of New Members

On Sunday, we are receiving new members. The Affirmation of Faith (#885) and Welcome and Reception (pg. 46) will be apart of the service. For those joining us virtually on Sunday, they can be accessed via the buttons below.

First Church, Its Mission, and Its Ministry

Earth Day Oberlin Green Group Gathering

The First Church Green Team will be hosting its annual Earth Day Oberlin Green Group Gathering TODAY at 5:30 in Fellowship Hall. You are invited to join this Pot Luck Dinner (bringing a VEGETARIAN ONLY main dish, side dish or dessert for 8 or more to share). Following the meal Professors John Petersen and Rumi Shammin will present a program on "Eco-Industrial Parks." Doors open at 5 p.m. to bring your dish to share with members of Oberlin's many groups concerned with environmental sustainability.

Regular Meeting of the Congregation

Our Constitution directs us to have a regular meeting of the congregation to elect officers and committee members, as reported by the Nominating Committee.

We have scheduled this meeting to occur in person immediately after the close of Sunday morning worship on April 26th.

At that time we will also vote on the recommendation for a minor wording change to our church constitution. A full narrative report in hard copy and an electronic version will be available prior to the meeting.

A 50 person quorum is required to pass any motions, so please plan to attend the meeting that day.

First Church in the Big Parade!

Come join the fun and be a part of the annual Big Parade. Dress like a knight or a princess, or wear your First Church t-shirt. Bring a noisemaker, wave a flag, toss candy to the crowds, and show the community what a fun group we are! We'll have a truck you can ride in if you don't want to walk. Just come to the Mudd parking lot between 11:30 and noon next Saturday, May 2. Contact Anne Sprague if you have any questions. See you there!

Annual First Church Spring Festival

Are you looking for more ways for First Church to connect with the community? Come and bring your friends to our annual Spring Festival on Saturday, May 9, 10am-2pm.

Representatives from local non-profit agencies will be sharing information. Entertainment will include a jazz quartet, a rock band (with our own choral scholar, Lydia Romel), a folk/bluegrass ensemble, Oberlin Steel, and jugglers and aerialists from OCircus! A soccer game on the front lawn, cookies, popcorn and Lorenzo's pizza will round out the fun.

Volunteers are needed to make the day go smoothly. Let Anne Sprague know if you are willing to help.

Miranda On Vacation April 30th and May 1st to Celebrate Her Birthday

Our Office Manager, Miranda Schaum, is taking some time off on April 30th and May 1st. Please note that during this time:

The office voicemail will be periodically checked by a volunteer.

Please call the office and leave a voicemail with your name, number, and what you'd like us to know.

She will not be checking emails during her vacation.

Requests for reserving space at the church, submissions for the eNews, and matters that require Miranda's assistance need to be addressed in advance of her vacation. Namely, by Monday, April 27th.

Miranda will resume her Office Manager responsibilities on Monday, May 4th.

Thank you for your patience and understanding to ensure vacations are as relaxing as possible!

Download the video prayer below of Conference Minister, the Rev. Dr. David Long-Higgins, for an Earth Day moment in your church!

Archives Adult Education May 3rd

Following service on May 3rd there will be an adult education session all about our Archive at First Church. Our 2025 Archives Intern will be giving an overview of the material held in our Archives, as well as highlighting special pieces on display in our Archives room. She will also be explaining the process of using and donating to the First Church Archives. Following the session all are welcome to join her upstairs in the Archives room for its grand opening. 

The City of Oberlin recently offered a Community Grant Program, with funds to help support programs and ideas for community engagement in social equity and youth and recreation. The Executive Council approved an application seeking funds to support a long standing desire to put welcoming equipment and seating on our front lawn, inviting visitors to share our space. Unfortunately, we were not approved to receive the grant, but the application clearly reflects our welcoming enthusiasm, and identifies specific plans for our Welcoming and Inclusive Green Space. Many, many thanks to Barbara Blodgett who wrote the grant, describing how First Church functions and continues to see itself as a trusted community partner. (Small portions were edited for ease of reading.) Click below to read this application. 

The Global Rise of Religious Nationalism

If you missed this UCC sponsored webinar originally aired on Sunday, April 12, you can access the video via the link above [or here].

Religious Nationalism is not only shaping political and religious landscapes in the United States—it is emerging as a powerful force in countries around the world.

The United Church of Christ welcomes Rev. Phillip Peacock, General Secretary of the World Communion of Reformed Churches, and leader in global ecumenism, justice advocacy, and reformed theology. Drawing on his international experience, Rev. Peacock examines how Religious Nationalism appears in different cultural contexts around the globe. Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson offers perspective on the impact of Religious and Christian Nationalism in the United States.

Call for Help

An Oberlin resident is in need of a kidney transplant. The Cleveland Clinic kidney transplant team asked her to reach out to see if anyone might be willing to donate a kidney, It is not necessary to be a specific match for the person in whose name a kidney is donated. If you might be interested and want to learn more, please call 440-775-0036. This is understandably a huge request, for which the neighbor would be immensely grateful.

Coffee Hour

The Fellowship Committee is asking for volunteers to host coffee hour after church. Don’t worry if you are not sure how to make the coffee. Training can be provided. There is a sign up sheet in Fellowship Hall hallway. If you have any questions please talk with Sandy Matthews.

The Wider Community

Rev. David T. Hill, Pastor

If you are searching for ways to become more fully engaged in the life of the church, please contact Rev. David T. Hill by calling the church office at (440) 775-1711 or by sending an email to the church office.

Songs and music reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-711734. All rights reserved.