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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Post-Election Gathering

This Saturday, November 9, from 7-8:30p.m, please join me at First Church for a time of fellowship, discussion, and spiritual nourishment. The Meeting House will be open for those seeking a place for silent reflection and prayer. The Children's Church room will be available for those who wish to walk the indoor labyrinth. The Fellowship Hall will be available for those interested in some lightly structured tabletop conversations. You need not limit yourself to one option, and are encouraged to move between spaces as best suits the well being of your soul. Light refreshments provided. All are welcome. Please share this invitation with others who may find this gathering helpful.

Reflections on U.S. Presidential Election - Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson

The Temperature is Dropping 

As we await the completion of the new heating system at First Church please be sure to dress appropriately as temperatures continue to drop. The building gets a bit cooler each day and you may wish to consider an extra layer or two of clothing when attending events at First Church until the heating system is fully operational.

First Church, Its Mission, and Its Ministry

Confirmation Class

Our second Confirmation class will happen next Sunday, November 10th, from noon to 1:30 pm, in the JFO Room Our topic for class #2 is - Jesus! We'll be watching some pivotal scenes in movies about Jesus, and talking about Christology. Looking forward to seeing everyone! 

After Worship This Sunday

The Stewardship Committee will be offering a coffee hour following the service of worship on November 10. It will take place in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the worship service and will accompany the performance by Bel Canto (the hand bell players).

Jen Bertoni - Approved for Ordination Pending Call

Yesterday, Jen met with the Committee on Ministry of the Living Water Association of the Heartland Conference of the United Church of Christ. Following a worship service that she created and led (including sermon), the committee had the opportunity to thoroughly question Jen and determine if she exhibited the Marks for becoming a Faithful and Effective Authorized Minister in the United Church of Christ. The committee unanimously affirmed Jen's gifts for ministry and she was granted the status of "Approved for Ordination Pending Call" which means she can now circulate her profile (i.e., ministerial resume) and once she acquires an ordainable call (e.g., local church pastorate, chaplaincy, etc...) she can be ordained. Please join in extending our heartfelt congratulations to Jen for reaching this milestone in her journey towards ordination.

Thompson Wedding

On 18 October 2024 Cassie Thompson and Will Gallimore were married in Raleigh NC. Pastor David Hill completed the extraordinary Thompson wedding cycle by officiating this ceremony after helping Paul & Katie, Ben & Chrissy, and Rob & Jan (renewal of vows) say I do in years past. Thank you David!

Wednesday Night Supper

The November Wednesday Night Supper will start at 5:45 on Wednesday, November 20. It's TACO NIGHT! Our wonderful cooks will be Maria Lorenzo Juan and Lidia Regalado Martinez, both from Guatemala. We don't want to run out of food, so be sure to sign up. Sign-up sheets are in the hallway or here. Four individuals might want to sign up to bring cake for dessert. Otherwise, you don't need to bring anything. As usual, there will be a basket for donations on the night of the supper.

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread! 

Thanksgiving is Coming - and so is the Youth's November fundraiser! We are experimenting with a new treat this year - chocolate chip pumpkin bread! We are using Chelsey's famous recipe from Kendal Day Care, so I'm sure it will be delicious! The youth will be baking on November 23rd, and loaves will be ready for pickup after church on November 24th.  

Reserve your loaf today! You can sign up at church on the sheet in the gallery, or by clicking the link below.  Loaves are $12, and payment is due at pickup.



The funds raised will all go to buy gifts for children in the Holiday Helping Hands program at OCS. Please buy some pumpkin bread and help our youth help others! 

I Have No Clue Who That Was



It's happened to all us - someone walks up to us at church and begins a conversation. They seem to know who you are and although you recognize them as a fellow parishioner you can't remember their name or have never been introduced. Wearing a name tag, whether a long-time attendee or recent visitor, helps model the extravagant welcome we proclaim and aspire to extend to one another. Be sure to stop by the name tag rack when you're up at the church or swing by the welcome table if you need to request one

Adult Ed event - November 24th after worship! 

Please join us November 24th after worship in the JFO Room, where Carl Jacobson will be sharing his impressions of Cuba. Refreshments will be provided. Hope to see you there! 

Carl writes, "In October, Deb and I visited Cuba for a week on a Road Scholar Tour. It was crammed with lectures and walks in the old squares of Havana, Cienfuegos and Trinidad (a city in Cuba) visits to arts, music, and social venues, including a senior center, a Sephardic Synagogue, and the Zapata Swamp Flora and Fauna Conservation Center. Though I thought I knew it well, I learned a lot from a visit to the Bay of Pigs Museo Giron. Claiming no expertise, I will offer some photos, observations on life and travel, thoughts on past and present US/Cuban relations, and hopes for the future."

Thanks to the Hills, a time to gather for gratitude, thanksgiving and celebration at Templed Hills, will be November 16th, 10am to 4pm.  Mark your calendars today and save the date!  We will have activities all day including hiking, crafts, sing-a longs, gaga ball, archery, fishing, campfires with treats, a garage sale and silent auction of Templed Hills memorabilia, and a Closing Worship and farewell blessing of Templed Hills.

The event will be free.  A potluck style Thanksgiving lunch is scheduled, and the Conference will provide all the hot food. Guests are invited to bring cold or shelf stable sides, salads, and desserts to share. A free will offering will also be taken. Guests will also have the option to “rent a room/continental breakfast” to share with family or friends for Friday and/or Saturday night.  We will have the traditional camp coffee cake, fruit and other goodies for the Continental breakfast.  Saturday night dinner and evening activities are on your own. However, we will keep the campfire going weather and interest permitted.

Please plan to join us!  Reservations for Saturday event are highly encouraged and reservations for Friday and/or Saturday night are required. 

Highlights from the Executive Council meeting October 29

• We are putting together a task group to look into putting tables, chairs, play equipment, or swings on the front lawn. These items are to invite community members as well as church members to enjoy our property.

• Planning continues to replace the back doors off the parking lot, as well as repaving the entryway, thanks to the generosity of a donor. This will improve access to the building, make the main entry smooth and safe, and improve the appearance of our primary entrance. 

• Several unexpected delays have postponed the final steps of the new heating system. We are very close, but until the final ducts are connected there will be no heat in the building. Members have loaned space heaters to maintain temperature for the staff and for visitors using the building.

• Committees are being asked to prepare their budgets for 2025 and to turn them in to the Treasurer. The Finance Committee is doing an excellent job of making fiscally responsible decisions on how to manage the church's money. 

The Wider Church

Hurricane Milton Appeal

Dear Friend,

In less than two weeks, Florida has faced yet another disaster—Hurricane Milton. As we work to understand the full extent of the damage, the United Church of Christ continues its longstanding commitment to stand with communities through their recovery long after the headlines have faded.

You can help. As we respond to Hurricane Milton and continue relief efforts for Hurricane Helene, we invite you to give to the Hurricanes 2024 Appeal. Your gift will make a direct impact, providing relief to those suffering, rebuilding homes, and helping restore communities. Together, we can extend the support and hope so desperately needed during this time.

Thank you for your compassion and generosity.

Our heartfelt thanks to all who have already donated to support the victims of the recent Hurricane Helene. Your generosity is making a real difference in the lives of those affected by these devastating events.

With deep gratitude,

Rev. Kent Siladi

Interim Director of Philanthropy

United Church of Christ

The Wider Community

Can you help?

Our supply chain has been short on cereal lately. If you're looking for a way to help local families in need, please donate cereal (or other breakfast items like Pop-Tarts, oatmeal, or granola bars) to the OCS food pantry! We will gladly take donations at the main desk during business hours, or there is a drop box near our temporary main entrance for after-hours donations during construction. Donations can be dropped off at the Cooper Community Resource Center, 500 E. Lorain St., Oberlin. Thank you!