01.31.2025

First Things First



A weekly eNewsletter from

The First Church in Oberlin, United Church of Christ

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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Worship Resources

Sunday, February 2nd, @ 10AM

First Church - Live Stream Worship via Facebook
DONATE ONLINE

Thank you for your donations.

Sunday's Hymns


NCH 407: How Firm a Foundation

NCH 461: Let Us Hope when Hope Seems Hopeless

Sunday's Hymns

Sunday's Lesson:



Jeremiah 1:4-10

1 Corinthians 13:1-13


Sunday's Order of Worship


Click the button below to follow along with the plan of Sunday's service.

Order of Worship

Holy Communion Celebrated Sunday


For those joining us virtually Sunday, this is a reminder to prepare your elements for Holy Communion prior to the service.

Announcements and Events For.....

First Church, Its Mission, and Its Ministry

Birthday Lunch - Sunday February 2nd.


The lunch will be a soup, salad, and bread Potluck.

Last Names beginning with A-H -Bread, I-P-Soups, Q-Z- Salads. The sign up sheets are located in the Fellowship Hallway.

A sign up sheet for volunteer cake-bakers is also on the bulletin board outside Fellowship Hall.

Everyone come and have a great time!!

Please sign up for Family Camp by February 2nd! 


First Church's Family Camp - "staycation" style - is right around the corner. Please call the office or sign up on the bulletin board outside the Fellowship Hall by February 2nd! This will allow us to make sure we have enough food, etc. for all who are attending. You can choose to attend parts of the event, or all of it. Simply check the boxes on the signup sheet to let us know if we can expect you for the Saturday potluck lunch, Sunday dinner (and worship), overnight stay, and/or Sunday morning pancake breakfast.  


Hope to see you for a time of fellowship and fun on February 15-16! 

February 9th is the Souper Bowl of Caring!


We are continuing our tradition of partnering with other local congregations to observe football’s Super Bowl Sunday by taking up a "Souper Bowl" collection for local food aid and daily feeding programs in our community. There will be soup pots in the hallway after church on February 9th for your donations. Money collected will be divided among the active feeding programs in our community. Thanks for your continued support for this 30-year mission helping the hungry!

Wednesday Night Supper


We are excited to invite you to a Valentine's Day-themed Wednesday Night Supper at First Church on February 19th at 5:45 PM.


We'll be serving delicious lasagna from Lorenzo’s, bread knots, salad, a veggie and gluten-free option, and special desserts! It’s the perfect evening to enjoy great food and fellowship as we celebrate love and community.


To attend, please complete the February Wednesday Night Supper Online Sign Up Form or sign up on the bulletin board at church. We can't wait to share this special evening with you!

Say Hello to New Members!


Check out their New Member Biographies and their pictures so you can strike up a conversation next time you see them!

New Member Biographies

Highlights from Executive Council


  • Support of the 2025 proposed budget was expressed by the Council. The educational session was well attended, and good questions were asked and answered. We look forward to the approval of this budget at the January 26 congregational meeting.


  • An extended discussion regarding the Immigrants & Refugees Welcome sign was held. Concern for our guests, based on the current presidential administration's decisions was expressed. A congregational discussion is proposed for Sunday, February 9. Details to follow. 



  • The boiler project is nearing completion, with only final details left. A core group of members will be taught how to "blow out" the boilers as part of a regular maintenance process.

The Wider Community

Celebrate Black History Month with the

Wilson Bruce Evans Home Historical Society

**Three programs to put on your calendar**

“Awakening to Justice”
Film Screening and Discussion
Saturday, Feb. 8, at 2:00 p.m. at the Oberlin Public Library and on Zoom

This 35-minute film focuses on Christian responses to racial injustice in the United States and was the result of a series of workshops and conversations among scholars and faith leaders. The film highlights intentional, countercultural communities as examples of interracial cooperation and equality, and it provides a fresh approach to today's conversations about race and faith in the church. A. G. Miller, Associate Professor of Religion Emeritus at Oberlin College and Pastor of Oberlin House of the Lord Fellowship, was involved in the project and will lead a discussion of the film after its screening. This program is free and open to the public. A Zoom link will be circulated in advance.


“Looking for Mr. Evans: Exploring the Home and Furniture of Abolitionist and Cabinetmaker Wilson Bruce Evans ”


Online Presentation


Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 7 p.m. on Zoom

Furniture maker Jerome Bias and home restoration expert Bill Chapman will report on what they found during their visit to the Evans House in December 2024. This program is sponsored by the Wilson Bruce Evans Home Historical Society and the Oberlin Heritage Center with support from Oberlin College’s Bonner Center, History Department, Baldwin Lectures of the Art History Department, Public Humanities Program, and Africana Studies Department. This program is free and open to the public. A Zoom link will be circulated in advance.


“Remembering Oberlin Black Business Owners”


Presentation and Discussion


Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 6:30 p.m., at the Oberlin Public Library

This program will feature the histories of several of Oberlin's Black business owners of the last 100 years through discussions with a panel of individuals and family members who remember them. The program will also include photos, oral histories, and objects from the Oberlin Heritage Center’s collection. This event is co-sponsored by the Oberlin Heritage Center and the Wilson Bruce Evans Home Historical Society. We welcome those who have their own memories and stories of Oberlin Black-owned businesses, past and present, to come and share. This program is free and open to the public.

Additional Links & Information
City of Oberlin
Oberlin Bus. Partner.
ORSL Newsletter
Oberlin Community Services
Oberlin Heritage Center
Environ. Dashboard
United Church of Christ
Heartland Conference
Streams of Connection Newsletter: stay connected with the Living Water Association!
Living Water Association


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.
FIRST CHURCH CALENDAR
FIRST CHURCH BIRTHDAY CALENDAR
First Church Anti-Racism Resources
Anti-Racism Statement
Submission information:
Deadline for articles and information is Wednesday at 10 AM.
For entire list of submission requirements, click here. Thank you.
Email information to: office@firstchurchoberlin.org

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