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First Things First
A weekly eNewsletter from
The First Church in Oberlin, United Church of Christ
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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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| | Sunday, July 26th, @ 10AM | |  | Thank you for your donations. | | | |
Sunday's Hymns
NCH 556: God, Who Stretched the Spangled Heavens
NCH 319: Sing Them Over Again to Me
NCH 236: Halleluja (sung twice)
NCH 476: How Can I Keep from Singing?
NCH 497: Guide My Feet While I Run This Race
NCH 582: O God of Earth and Altar
NCH 438: It Is Well With My Soul
NCH 283: Spirit of the Living God
NCH 575: O For a World
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Sunday's Lesson:
Psalm 113, Matthew 26:26-30
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Sunday's Order of Worship
Click the button below to follow along with the plan of Sunday's service.
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Thank you!
Many Thanks to Marian Thomas for filling in for Tom Bandy and for her design and leadership of this Sunday's hymn-centered service of worship. Also, thanks to Carol Longsworth and her assistance in leading the singing.
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Special Musical Guest this Sunday
George Cyphers, clarinet. We are grateful to have George joining us again this Sunday.
| | Announcements and Events For..... | | First Church, Its Mission, and Its Ministry | |
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Dear First Church Family and Friends,
Bob VanDale died this past Monday morning. Plans for a memorial service are being determined, most likely for some time this fall. Please remember Bob's family, particularly his wife Carla, in your prayers during this time of grief and loss.
| O God of sunrise and sunset, we give you thanks for all those near to us and dear, who have walked in your light; in whose lives we have seen the light, and at whose hands we have received the mysteries of your goodness and your grace. Make us glad in all those whom you have given us out of the world, who have faithfully lived and at the last have quietly died, who are now gone before us in the heavenly places. | | | |
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Upcoming Vacations
Pastor's Vacation
The Pastor will be on vacation from Sunday, July 26 through Sunday, August 9. If you are in need of pastoral care during this time, please contact Becky Thompson, (440) 506-7376.
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Miranda’s Vacation
Miranda will be on vacation from Wednesday, July 29 through Friday, July 31. She will be back in the office on Monday, August 3rd.
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What’s Cooking This Fall at First Church?
Our Third Wednesday Night Suppers are a beloved tradition, and we'd like your creative ideas to make this fall’s lineup the best yet!
If you enjoy bringing people together over good food, join our monthly Zoom planning team!
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Next Planning Meeting: Tuesday, August 18 at 10:00 AM (via Zoom)
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Our First Goal: Planning the September 16 menu. Then we'll toss out some ideas for the suppers in October and November.
To get the Zoom link, contact Miranda Schaum in the church office. (office@firstchurchoberlin.org)
Questions? Contact Linda at lrslocum@gmail.com or (440) 935-0487. Let’s make something delicious together and keep the tradition going!
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SAVE THE DATE!
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2 - 3:30 pm in the JFO Room - “GOOD PLANTS GONE BAD and Some Alternatives,” by Jennifer Windus of Ohio Invasive Species Council. Co-sponsored by Oberlin Native Plants Club & First Church Green Team.
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You may be wondering how to help Venezuela!
On June 29 Venezuela experienced devastating earthquakes, especially in the city of Caracas, with over 2500 people killed with homes and city services in ruins. The United Church of Christ has representatives on the ground assisting with aid and recovery. UCC is asking for a special donation to assist our efforts in Venezuela. Outreach & Service Committee has made a donation to this effort from our discretionary budget.
You can also help with a donation through UCC. Use this link to donate ONLINE:
https://www.ucc.org/ucc-issues-emergency-appeal-following-venezuela-earthquakes/
Or CHECKS may be made payable to United Church of Christ with a note, “Venezuela Earthquakes 2026” on the memo line and left at the church office or in the offering on Sunday.
You may also mail them directly:
United Church of Christ
P. O. Box 71957
Cleveland, OH 44194
| A Lovely Thank You from Our Friends!! | |
Lorain Community Music Theater Presents Cinderella
Jen Bertoni will be playing the part of the Stepmother!
Thursday - Saturday the show will begin at 7:30 PM,
Sunday the show will begin at 2:00 PM
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COFFEE HOUR THROUGH THE SUMMER
We’ve been loving after-church coffee hours! Good fair trade coffee, packaged cookies or home made and great conversation. Simple is best. The sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board outside the kitchen. If you want to sign-up but need to learn how to make coffee and set up, let Alana Kelley know and she can help you. It’s easy peasy. Promise!
OR if you want to help out by delivering 2 dozen homemade cookies or pastries packed for the freezer in the kitchen, we will happily accept those donations!
Thank you in advance!
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Job Opening at Oberlin Weekday Community Meals
Oberlin Weekday Community Meals, a program of Christ Episcopal Church, seeks a full-time Program Coordinator to oversee daily operations and to help implement our vision of a more collaborative, joyful, and truly community-based organization. For more details and to apply, please see the job listing on Indeed.com.
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Summer Storytime Sign-up!
Come get to know the church's wonderful kids - by reading a story to them during the sermon portion of worship this summer! Stories will be provided, or you can bring your own, and our wonderful childcare workers will be there to lend a hand. A sign-up sheet is in the gallery. Thanks in advance for taking the time to get to know the children of the church!
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First Church is once again participating in the Oberlin Community Services Annual Jaqui Willis Back to School Supply Drive!
Look for the Gray Tote Box the next time you come to the church and drop off some of the following materials, if possible!
Thanks for your consideration!
| | Additional Links & Information | | |
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.
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Submission information:
Deadline for articles and information is Wednesday at 10 AM.
For entire list of submission requirements, click here. Thank you.
| | Songs and music reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-711734. All rights reserved. | | | | |
