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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Pastoral Letter in Support of our Haitian Siblings in Springfield

Dear Friends in Christ,

I write from my heart to yours calling you to join me in support of the Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio, which is part of the Southern Ohio Northern Kentucky Association (SONKA) of the Heartland Conference. These beloveds of God have experienced prejudice and threats of violence as a result of lies that have been told about them. Let us stand with them as the beloved children of God that they are and utterly reject such false narratives.

Christian scripture calls us to “…put away falsehood, let each of you speak the truth with your neighbor…Let no evil talk come out of your mouths but only what is good for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear.“ (Ephesians 4:25,29)

In the past week, violent threats from outsiders urged on by false narratives about the Haitian members of the Springfield community have resulted in the closing of schools, businesses, and government offices. This perpetuation of lies, hate, and fear is a rejection of the core values of our faith.

Let us embrace our Haitian siblings and the entire community of Springfield. Together they have worked for years to build a community of flourishing where all can have a job, put down roots, and be treated as equally beloved children of God. I urge everyone to join in standing with them in this difficult time.

Further, let those who continue to perpetuate falsehoods about the Haitian community in Springfield stop using hate for political gain. Let us urge everyone to prophetically resist and interrupt these tactics and untruths whenever and wherever they arise, using instead the truth that builds up. Our voices matter in this important work, regardless of where we live.

Finally, I encourage your financial support of the Haitian Community in Springfield. Your gifts may be sent to the Haitian Support Center of Springfield by clicking here or the Springfield Foundation by clicking here. If you find yourself near Springfield, I encourage you to eat at a Haitian-owned restaurant or otherwise support a Haitian-owned business. Together may we embody the upbuilding love of God made known to us in Christ so that those in our midst who suffer may know they are not alone.

Blessings and Godspeed,

Rev. Dr. David Long-Higgins

Conference Minister

Heartland Conference United Church of Christ

First Church, Its Mission, and Its Ministry

HELP CREATE THE TABLE FOR WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6 (2024)

On the first Sunday in October, for many years worshipping congregations across denominations and around the world have celebrated communion signifying that in Christ we are one people, one body. Perhaps you remember when it was called “Worldwide Communion”, and you may have memories of different customs such as breads from around the world, or colorful banners, or words from visiting missionaries. As global awareness has grown, so has recognition and respect for national and cultural integrity and at the same time heightened awareness that being alive on this planet we are interconnected in one world — there are no “others”.

A task force from the Worship Committee, working with staff, considered how we might celebrate world communion this year.

First, we invite everyone to participate in creating the table, declaring our solidarity with brothers and sisters in communion all around the world, simply by being present. Whether in person in the Meeting House or worshipping with us online, your Presence — bringing ourselves with intention—is a statement.

Second, we invite those of you who have smaller or mid-size items from another country or culture and would enjoy sharing them, to place them on the table when you come forward, naming the country or culture they represent. Perhaps it’s something from your own travels or a family treasure from an earlier generation. Our table will be then a visual reminder of the worldwide feast in which we share.

Third, if you speak a language other than English, we invite you to participate in a multilingual call to worship, which will be in the form of call-and-response, with the responses in whatever languages you may volunteer to use. If you are interested in participating, please contact Peter Thomas or Tom Bandy. We look forward to worshipping with you.

Neighbors in Need Offering on October 6th!

The Neighbors in Need offering, which we will receive on October 6, supports the UCC’s ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. Two-thirds of the offering is used by the UCC’s Justice and Witness Ministries to fund a wide array of local and national justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects. One-third of the offering supports the UCC’s Council for American Indian Ministries (CAIM). CAIM is an invaluable resource for more than 1,000 individuals from dozens of other tribes and nations who are members of other UCC congregations in the U.S.

In 2024, the Neighbors in Need offering focuses on mental health justice. With your generous support, the United Church of Christ (through the Neighbors in Need special offering) helps its members live out their beliefs via acts of service. Please see the attachments for more information on this special offering and mental health justice.

"God will not falter or lose heart until justice prevails throughout the earth."

-Isaiah 42:4

It is possible to contribute in one of three ways: 

1. By mailing a check made out to The First Church in Oberlin with “NIN” in the memo line to the church office, 
2. By using the offering envelopes on the Welcome Table and depositing your donation in the wooden donation box in the Narthex at the top of the steps leading to the Gallery, 
3. Or, by going to our First Church website, scrolling down and clicking on "Donate Online" and then going to the “Neighbors in Need” section. Alternatively, click here and it’ll bring you to the page.

Please see this week's bulletin insert, the following video describing Neighbors in Need a bit further, and Campaign Learning Resource Links (attached) for more information on this special offering and mental health justice. More information can also be found on the UCC website.

Let your gift help to put prayer into action.

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. 

Call for Bel Canto Musicians

Bel Canto, Kendal’s handbell choir, is looking for one or two musicians to play handbells from Aug 30 through Nov 17. Please help us out! It’s a fun ensemble experience. Contact Betsy Allen if interested, betsyallen2345@gmail.com

The Wider Community

Can you help?

Hey, folks! We need your help — the OCS food pantry is running *extremely low* on starches. Please help us get these critical staples to local families! We are asking for donations of 𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗘 and 𝗣𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗔 at 500 E. Lorain St., Oberlin. Thank you so much!

Oberlin Farmers Market

Parking lot

The Oberlin Farmers Market provides locally grown, seasonal, fresh, high quality produce and farm fresh products. This is an outdoor market, open rain or shine, featuring a wide variety of local seasonal fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, honey, artisan bread, baked goods, mushrooms, crafts and more. Hours: 9am - Noon, every Saturday; May 18th - October 12 Visit our website: https://www.oberlinfarmersmarket.info/ The market is located at 69-85 South Main Street, downtown Oberlin, Ohio, in the parking lot between the Oberlin Public Library and police station and across from the post office.