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!

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First Church, Its Mission, and Its Ministry

Know Your Rights/Know Your Risks: What To Do When ICE Shows Up

Special Adult Education THIS SUNDAY

Please join us in the JFO Room following worship this Sunday, February 22, for a training and conversation on this important topic.

Guest presenter: Steve Volk, Professor Emeritus, Oberlin College and member of the Oberlin Community Supporting Immigrants (OCSI).

Outgrow: Lenten Devotional

This Lent, shed what you've outgrown!

"There is perhaps nothing more futile than allowing people and circumstances we've outgrown to dictate our direction in the present," writes Kenneth L. Samuel in his introduction to Outgrow.

Lent begins with a divine demonstration of outgrown circumstances: the temptation of Jesus by the devil in Matthew 4. "When Jesus was being tested in the wilderness," Ken Samuel observes, "he had already grown deeper than the superficial sources [of greatness and glory]."

What about you? What temptations in your life have already been overcome by increased insight? What fears have been shed through the development of your faith?

The Stillspeaking Writers invite you into the discipline of Lent, a season in which life's trials do not relent but neither does our growth in the Spirit.

For those that didn't get a hard copy of the book, you are also able to purchase a PDF for $3.00 here. If purchasing the PDF version, please purchase one PDF per reader. Upon purchase, a link will be emailed to you for downloading the PDF.

SEPA Tickets

SEPA's Annual Guatemalan Dinner will take place on Saturday March 14, 2026 5:30-8:30pm. Tickets are $15.00 each and will be available after the service and through Lori Taylor or John Gates.

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.

Highlights from the Executive Council Meeting, January 20, 2025

Below is a brief summary of topics discussed at the monthly Executive Council meeting.

• The Anti-racism information on the church website will be updated and improved.

• We are still in need of additional volunteers to run the audio and streaming on Sunday mornings. Several of our regular volunteers have had to take a break. We are fortunate to have three of our youth helping now, but are looking for additional back-up.

• It was determined that another First Church Spring Festival and presence in the Big Parade would be a positive community activity. Anyone who would like to be a part of this “only in Oberlin” experience should contact the Moderator.

The Wider Community

The Lorain County Civic Engagement Coalition invites you to attend the Spirit of '76 Speakers Series as part of Lorain County Ohio’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. 

Each event is free to attend, however you will need to register.

RSVP Here: www.LorainCounty.com/e/spiritof76

David J. Bier, Policy Director for Immigration at the Washington D.C. based Cato Institute, a non-partisan and independent think-tank that promotes libertarian ideas will be speaking at the Spirit of ’76 Speaker Series on Monday, February 23rd at 5:30pm. Bier a recent guest on PBS’ News Hour is replacing the original speaker, Alex Nowrasteh who is also from the Cato Institute. The program is entitled “Immigration and the United States-What is the Way Forward?” 

Joining Bier is Steven Volk, Professor Emeritus in History and Latin America at Oberlin College. Professor Volk served as executive director of the North American Congress on Latin America for 17 years. 

Attendees are also invited to join-in the Post-Program Discussion immediately following the program to share their thoughts on the topic with members of the Lorain County Civic Engagement Coalition. There is no charge for the program, however registration is required at www.loraincounty.com or call the Elyria YWCA 440-322-6300. The program is at the Stocker Arts Center at LCCC, 1005 N. Abbe Road Elyria. Doors will be open at 4:30 pm and area non-profits promoting opportunities for civic engagement will have displays to view. 



The Spirit of ’76 Speaker Series is a collaborative effort of the Chronicle Telegram, Elyria YWCA and the Lorain County Civic Engagement Coalition. The series marks the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and aims to engender in attendees an awakening to their role as citizens in this marvelous experiment called democracy.

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.