Rev. Dr. Glen Miles, Senior Minister

I’ve loved going to church since early childhood—and I still do. From the beginning, I knew church was the one place where I would be loved and welcomed.

I was very shy in school. I eventually made friends through sports, but it was always stressful. Church was different. Every church I attended, I felt like I belonged.

By the time I was in junior high, I was involved in everything at church. In 7th grade, I was even elected as the Youth Representative to the Governing Board. Yes, I was! You can make fun of me if you want, but I loved being part of those meetings.

Our youth minister at that time was the coolest guy I had ever met. He had long hair, a mustache, and a beard—pretty wild stuff in 1971! His wife was just as amazing. She was the first person I ever heard use the word “groovy.” They were funny, warm, loving, and everything you could want in leaders at church.

Their welcome every Sunday night—their obvious love for all of us—was an incredible gift in my life. They embodied grace. I was a nerdy, orange-haired goofball, but they treated me as if I was just as cool as they were.

Two thousand years ago, a seasoned pastor wrote to a young pastor named Timothy: “You then, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”

He was urging Timothy to rely on God’s goodness and to see every person in his care through the lens of grace.

Before I began my first role as a Senior Pastor, someone gave me a piece of advice I’ve never forgotten: “Remember, every person you are preaching to sits beside a pool of tears.” That’s a good word for all of us. Every person you see, every person you encounter, is carrying something heavy. Some may look like they have it all together, but no one gets through life without heartache and pain, sorrow, and fear.

“You then, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”

Grace says, “Look through the eyes of love at your life, and love will show you a new way to live.” Grace invites us to turn toward graciousness.

My youth minister and his wife were the embodiment of grace. Like them, the church is called to be gracious. In the name of grace, we are called to be a congregation that is a beacon of light, even in the darkest of days.

Let us be that church.

Dinner • Worship • Study • Service

Join us this evening, October 1, at The Gathering for a time of food, fellowship, and faith. Dinner will be served at 5:30 pm with little sandwiches, chips, and fruit, followed by opportunities for all ages at 6 pm, including Bible study, Midweek Missions, and choir.

This week we continue our series, Curveballs and Clarity: Finding God in the Bible, inspired by books from our upcoming Spiritual Searcher, Pete Enns. Rev. Dr. Glen Miles will lead the session, Curveball, inviting us to explore how the Bible continues to surprise, challenge, and inspire us.

Attending this week’s Gathering is the perfect introduction to the Pete Enns weekend event. Come enjoy a meal, grow in community, and prepare your heart and mind for the inspiring conversations ahead.

We are excited to welcome Dr. Pete Enns, biblical scholar, author, and host of The Bible for Normal People podcast, to Columbus this weekend! Pete’s work has inspired countless readers and listeners to approach scripture with curiosity, honesty, and wisdom.

Saturday Lecture – Downtown at First Congregational UCC

On Saturday, October 4, Pete will offer a public lecture hosted by our friends at First Congregational UCC (444 E. Broad Street). This is a wonderful opportunity to hear Pete unpack how scripture forms us for a wise and faithful life.

👉 Register here: shelbygiving.com/App/Form/726e9129-31e5-4973-8034-854eb4f62bfe

Sunday at First Community: All Services

On Sunday, October 5, Pete will be with us at First Community at all services. He will preach the sermon "No One Has Ever Seen God" based on 1 John 4:7-12.

Whether you have read Pete’s books, listened to his podcast with Rev. Seth Stearns, or are simply curious about fresh ways to engage the Bible, this is a weekend not to be missed.

Bring a friend, join the conversation, and be inspired!

This week in Sunday school

• K–1st grade classes (9 and 11 am): Students will hear The Parable of the Good Shepherd from The Lion Storyteller Bible. A parable is a kind of story Jesus told to teach us about God. In this story, the Good Shepherd shows that every sheep is important.
• 2nd–5th grade (9 am), K–5th grade (10 am), and 2nd–3rd grade (11 am): These classes will hear a Godly Play story about World Communion, since some of our 4th and 5th graders will receive their First Communion this Sunday. We will learn that the Good Shepherd is a loving leader who shares bread and wine (juice) with all people.
• 4th–7th grade class (11 am): Rev. Sarah Kientz will join us to talk about Communion and help us understand this important ritual at the heart of Christianity.

Please register your child for K-5 programs annually

Welcome to First Community’s K–5 Ministry 

We are excited to welcome your family to First Community and look forward to a fun and meaningful year together! This fall, our K–5 ministry offers four core opportunities for children to grow in faith and friendship: 

• Sunday School 
• Midweek Missions 
• Choir 
• Special Events (including Harvest Hullabaloo, Christmas Workshop, Easter Eggstravaganza, and 1.2.3…Akita!) 

Registration 

Click here to register for the 2025–2026 program year.

• Add your child’s name to our attendance lists 
• Prepare materials in advance 
• Collect emergency contact and medical information 
• Keep you informed about schedule changes and special events 

Our annual Pet Blessing Service, a joyful tradition that celebrates the love and companionship of our animal friends, has been postponed.

We know how much this event means to so many in our community—whether you bring a furry, feathered, or scaly companion, or simply come to celebrate God’s creation with us. While we aren’t able to gather this Sunday afternoon, please know that we are working to select a new time that will allow us to come together for this special service.

We will share the updated date as soon as it is confirmed. Thank you for your patience and understanding—we look forward to gathering with you and your beloved pets very soon! 🐾

Rev. Dr. Glen Miles, Senior Minister

This past Sunday I shared in my sermon that the church is at its very best when it remembers who it is: a community shaped by love, anchored in hope, and energized by faith. The Finish Strong campaign is not just about numbers on a page or dollars in a bank account—it is about living out our mission in real and tangible ways.

Over these past weeks, we’ve heard powerful stories from members of our church about why this place matters and how generosity makes ministry possible. We’ve seen faces and heard voices reminding us that when we give, we are joining in something far bigger than ourselves.

That’s what it means to finish strong. It is to trust God’s future more than our own fears. It is to believe that even now, in a season of transition and challenge, God is planting seeds of new life through us.

If you missed worship last Sunday, I invite you to watch the sermon here. You’ll also find below the final video in our Finish Strong series—a moving reminder of how our faith community is stepping forward together.

Friends, every gift matters. Every prayer matters. Every act of faith adds up to a testimony of hope. Together, we are building a church that not only endures but thrives, offering love and welcome to all who walk through our doors.

Let us finish strong—with gratitude, courage, and joy.

With hope,

Soli Deo Gloria: An Extraordinary Sunday of Sacred Music

On Sunday, October 12, we invite you to experience the power and beauty of sacred music at this year’s Soli Deo Gloria services at 9 and 11 am at First Community North. Please note: There will be no 10 am service at First Community South on this day.

This year’s program features the music of Gabriel Fauré, Ethel Smyth, Ludwig van Beethoven, Pietro Mascagni, and Pavel Chesnokov—a breathtaking range of choral and orchestral works offered in worship to the glory of God alone.

Soli Deo Gloria is one of the most beloved traditions at First Community. More than a concert, it is an act of worship—drawing us into God’s presence through music that stirs the soul and lifts the spirit.

It is also one of the best opportunities of the year to invite family, friends, and neighbors to experience the beauty of our music ministry and the warmth of our community.

Come and be uplifted by the voices of our choirs, the brilliance of the orchestra, and the timeless gift of sacred music. We encourage you to extend the invitation—share this special Sunday with someone you know.

by Rev. John Girard, Executive Minister

Summer may be winding down, but the momentum at First Community continues! While August brought a slight dip in pledge revenue, our year-to-date numbers remain encouraging, and the vision for our future is strong.

Year-to-Date Progress

At this point in the year, the month-to-month swings are less important than the bigger picture. Liz Compton, our Controller, reports that YTD we are still $112K better than budget. While pledge payments for the year are $38K below budget, non-pledge contributions are up $114K—another sign of generosity and faithfulness in action.

Summer Ministry Impact

Summer at Camp Akita concluded with encouraging results. Camp revenue finished $28K (3%) below budget, but Family Camp rebounded with strong attendance, coming in $7.5K better than budget and $9.5K better than last year. Food costs were higher than budget by $11K, though still significantly lower than last summer’s spike. Meanwhile, summer camp salaries were $12.6K below budget, a $38K improvement over last year. Kitchen staffing challenges pushed salaries higher, but these adjustments ensured a safe and meaningful experience for all campers.

Mary Evans continues to show strength as well, coming in $32K better than budget so far this year. While being down one teacher saves on salaries, it also means increased responsibility for Director, Leigh Anne Easterling and Assistant Director, Margie Harler in the classrooms. Their dedication, and the dedication of so many on staff, reflects the depth of commitment that sustains our ministry.

Looking to the Year Ahead

Thanks to your ongoing generosity, the full-year forecast continues to show us making budget. In September we also received an unexpected $100K contribution. This allowed us to remove the $120K Foundation grant revenue for the roofs at Akita from the forecast—while still projecting we will make budget for the year. The roofs remain on the horizon for replacement, but the biggest immediate financial risk is now relieved.

Cash flow remains our greatest area of focus. The forecasted cash deficit has dropped from $529K last month to $429K this month, a step in the right direction. Every gift, pledge, and act of faithfulness continues to move us closer to long-term stability.

Future-Focused Vision

This financial diligence is about more than balancing numbers—it’s about equipping First Community for decades and generations yet to come. We are building not just for today, but for a future where lives are transformed, faith is deepened, and our witness continues to ripple far beyond ourselves.

Thank you, First Community, for your generosity, your courage, and your vision. Thank you for the way you embody the call to “dream like Jesus”—to dream of faithful living that changes lives and communities. Together, we are finishing strong while preparing for a bold and hope-filled tomorrow.

Rose Konrath, Governing Board Chair

Hello First Community, and welcome to Fall 2025.

I hope you enjoyed your summer and found time to connect with family and friends, travel a bit, and enjoy some moments of rest and relaxation.

In August, I spent a few days in New York City with a friend. She invited me to stay with her, taught me how to ride the bus and subway without “looking like a tourist” (though I’m not sure I pulled that off), and took me to the Whitney, the Met, a concert at Lincoln Center, and Central Park. It is, after all, the city that never sleeps. I felt both sophisticated and carefree—certainly a new way of being for me.

Seeing the city through the eyes of someone who loves it so deeply was a great gift—an experience of true welcome and hospitality.

First Community has always been that place for me as well: a community that welcomes, encourages questions, and fosters learning. I want us to extend that same spirit of welcome to others as we continue shaping a vision for our shared future.

September Governing Board Highlights

The Governing Board (GB) met on June 24. Here are a few highlights:

• Finance – Committee Chair Mark Hollinger, Executive Minister John Girard, and Rev. Glen Miles shared financial updates.
• Personnel Committee – Work continues on enhancing our staff onboarding process.
• Nominating Committee – Past Chair April Howe is working with the GB to identify candidates for the next nominating class.
• Governing Board Goals – We reviewed progress to date; we are on track for completion.
• Darkness to Light Training – All GB members have now completed this important training. Many thanks for your commitment to the safety of children.

Governing Board Committees – Finance

Most GB members also serve on one or more committees. The Finance Committee typically meets monthly with Glen, John, and our Controller, Liz Compton, ahead of the GB meeting for a detailed review of our financials.

Pictured below, left to right:

Chris Dusseau, Jennifer Short (GB Vice-Chair), Mark Hollinger (Treasurer, Committee Chair), Rose Konrath (GB Chair), and Lois Zook.

Not pictured: Martha Livingston.

Next Meeting

The Governing Board will meet next on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 7 PM at First Community North, Room 102.

Until Next Month

I’d like to close with a short poem that speaks to me about holding and releasing joy—an invitation to let go and live fully in the present. I hope it brings you encouragement.

Eternity

by William Blake (1757–1827)

He who binds to himself a joy

Does the winged life destroy;

But he who kisses the joy as it flies

Lives in eternity’s sunrise.

If there is something you would like to ask, recommend, or discuss, please reach out to me. I’d be happy to schedule a call or meeting.

With gratitude and blessings,

Rose Konrath

(614) 620-7406

konrathrose@gmail.com

by Kristy Glaser, Director of Membership Engagement

Welcome New Members

On Sunday, September 14, our congregation joyfully welcomed nine new members into our church family. We are grateful for the energy, gifts, and spirit these new members bring, and we look forward to growing together in worship, service, and fellowship. If you haven’t had a chance yet, please introduce yourself and offer a warm welcome!

If you’re feeling ready to take the next step and join the church, we’d love to connect with you. Reach out to Kristy Glaser to learn more about membership and how to get started.

9 am (left to right): Sharon Adams, Nicole and Jake Hutchison with Sydney

11 am (left to right): Alandra Scott, Patrick Lee-Harris, Jack Lee-Harris, Lauren and John Clark

Not pictured: Carolyn Chapman Withrow

Coffee With Glen

Are you considering membership at First Community? Join us for Coffee with Glen on Saturday, October 11, from 9:30–11 AM at FC North. This informal gathering is a great opportunity to meet Senior Minister Glen Miles, ask questions, and learn more about the mission, values, and ministries of First Community. Coffee and conversation await—all in a welcoming and relaxed setting designed especially for those exploring membership.

RSVP: Please contact Kristy Glaser at kglaser@FCchurch.com to register for the event.

Honoring 40-Year Members

On Heritage Sunday, November 16, First Community will joyfully celebrate the enduring commitment of members who have reached the remarkable milestone of 40 years or more of membership.

During the 10 am worship service at South, we will recognize our newest 40-year members by name in the Sanctuary. Following the service, all are invited to a festive reception in the Weist Room and Gallery Court, where we will continue the celebration in fellowship.

In each service, all members who have reached or surpassed 40 years of membership—whether through consecutive or cumulative years—will be invited to stand and be honored for their lasting dedication to our church community.

If 2025 marks your 40th year as a member, we would be delighted to include you in this special recognition. Please contact Kristy Glaser at kglaser@FCchurch.com to confirm your membership details.

Let us come together in celebration of faith, legacy, and the enduring spirit of First Community.

TC Brown Returns with a Spotlight on

Rev. Sarah Kientz

He’s back this month with a feature on Rev. Sarah Kientz, Minister to Youth and Camp Akita.

Guest contributor TC Brown returns with his fourth piece for firstnews, this time highlighting Sarah’s journey in ministry, her deep commitment to young people, and the ways Camp Akita continues to shape lives of faith.

We’re grateful for TC’s thoughtful storytelling—read on to get to know Rev. Sarah Keintz beyond Sunday.

by TC Brown, Guest Contributor

When two Mexico mission leaders, in consecutive years, broke the rear windows of their rental vans while backing into something, the Rev. Sarah Kientz was “first on the list to make fun of them.”

The next year, she had a first-hand experience with karma—or Luke 6:38, which says in part, “Give, and it will be given to you. . .”

“The next trip I backed into a tree and the back window smashed,” Kientz recalls. “My first reaction: I can’t believe I did that, too.”

Kientz, Minister to Youth and Camp Akita and an Upper Arlington native, attended Camp Akita for the first time as a high school freshman after hearing friends rave about it.

“I thought I’d be just another kid, but found that to be the complete opposite,” Kientz says. “I felt special and cared for. And I had an opportunity to think about life and deepen my faith.”

At the same time, she worked with youth ministry programs at First Community and went on her first Mexico mission—“a life-changing experience.”

In 2009, she graduated from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, with a bachelor’s degree in English. Jobs were scarce, so Kientz returned to Camp Akita for “just a summer.” That turned into seven years after First Community hired her in its youth department.

“I fell in love with the ministry and loved being in a role mentoring kids,” Kientz says. “I loved being that person in a child’s life who says, ‘How is your spiritual side feeling? How is it with your soul?’”

In 2016, those experiences inspired her to enroll in Vanderbilt University Divinity School in Nashville. A one-year internship was intimidating—she served as lead pastor at Brookmeade Congregational Church, which included many members with seminary degrees.

“It was like boot camp,” Kientz remembers. “They were gracious, forgiving, and supportive.”

Kientz was ordained in 2019 at First Community South. She manages youth ministry during the school year and lives at Camp Akita from May to August.

“I truly do not know who I would be if I had not gone to summer camp at Akita. The friendships I formed there have been the most genuine of my life,” she says. “It’s a different relationship when you create bonds in a place where there is such a tangible spirit of God.”

Click each event graphic to register or learn more.

This year’s Thanksgiving food drive benefiting the Midweek Missions Thanksgiving Basket project and Heart to Heart food pantry, will begin on October 1. Please support our efforts by donating items to help us prepare baskets for 20 Franklinton families and provide Heart to Heart clients with the food they need to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal.

Look for boxes where donations can be dropped off close to the K-5 classrooms, in the Rose Wing entrance and close to the coffee station at First Community North. Donations at South can be placed in the marked box in the coatroom donation area.

The drive will conclude with a churchwide Thanksgiving food collection on Sunday, November 9 during all worship services. On that day, donated items should be brought into worship and placed on the chancel to be blessed.

We are collecting:                                             

Midweek Missions also needs 20 frozen turkeys. Let us know we can expect a turkey donation from you by signing up here. All turkeys must be delivered to the First Community North walk-in refrigerator on either Sunday, November 23, 8:30 am -12:30 pm or Monday, November 24 before 11 am.

The Midweek Missions program and Heart to Heart food pantry are happy to collaborate for this year’s Thanksgiving food drive. Whether used by Midweek or Heart to Heart, please know that your food donations will be received by a family in need this holiday season.

Visit h2h.FCchurch.com/thanksgiving for more information.

Revs. Mary Kate Buchanan and Sarah Keintz along with the Women's Guild Retreat Committee have been hard at work preparing for a fun and interactive day of silliness, laughter, joy, and peace! We are confident that the Spirit is ready to show up in wild and wonderful ways on October 11, from 10-3 pm in Wing Grace Hall. In celebration of International Day of the Girl, women and girls age 9 and up are invited to come and connect through play, art, food, fellowship, and spiritual practice. We have planned this day for you to engage in a way that suits what your soul is looking for- whether that's fun and fellowship, trying something new, quiet time with the Spirit, or a little bit of everything!

We are looking forward to:

• Beading and journal crafting
• Singing, dancing, and a photo booth
• Prayer stations with candles, magical dissolving paper, and blackout poetry writing
• Curated quiet spaces with journal prompts, drawing, and reflection questions to explore with mind, body, and spirit
• A full salad bar spread, sandwiches, chips, and treats! 

We can't wait for Saturday, October 11, from 10 am – 3pm! The cost is $25 for adults and $10 for children 9 years and up, with confidential scholarships available. Registration is due by noon on Friday, October 3^rd. 

To register click graphic, click on the link, or contact Jane Torbica at jtorbica@fcchurch.com or (614) 488-0681 ext. 235.

Girls and girls at heart age 9 and up are welcome to join us for this awesome day, sponsored by the First Community Women’s Guild.

Our October Mission & Justice Newsletter is here! From the launch of the new Good Trouble Ministry to suicide prevention series, food drives, and refugee support, this issue highlights the many ways our church is putting faith into action.

Click below to explore how you can get involved.

Good Trouble

by Dan Langen

First Community Church and the United Church of Christ have a rich tradition in addressing the many needs of people living within an unjust society. Ministries and missions take on issues of housing insecurity, food insecurity, refugee resettlement, gun violence, poverty, environmental degradation, racial equity, discrimination, and more. Within the First Community congregation, people began asking about how we might better address the very conditions, systems, and policies that make those missions and ministries necessary.

Out of those requests the Good Trouble Ministry launched, guided by a conviction to live our faith through advocacy and action where the ministry of Jesus directs us: human dignity, justice and righteousness, integrity, economic justice, racial justice, civil liberties, and voting rights. These issues are neither Democrat nor Republican, conservative nor liberal. We want to approach our work as Jim Wallis shared when he presented at First Community Church. “Don’t Go left. Don’t Go right. Go deeper into the Gospels.”

Our first Good Trouble Ministry meeting on Tuesday, October 21 will focus on the upcoming election and ways we can ensure that those who are qualified to vote get the opportunity to vote. Stay tuned for meeting details. In the meantime, visit our website for resources, inspirational sermons and meditations, and updated Good Trouble opportunities. Please join our mailing list for periodic emails.

LGBTQ+ Night at the Labyrinth

The LGBTQ+ Community Justice team is excited to host an evening gathering for our LGBTQ+ members and friends at the beautiful labyrinth at FC North. The date is still being finalized, but the evening will offer time for reflection, connection, and celebration of God’s inclusive love.

The labyrinth has long been a sacred space at First Community—a place to walk, pray, and center ourselves in God’s presence. On this night, it will also be a place to honor the unique gifts of our LGBTQ+ community and to deepen our shared commitment to justice, belonging, and hope.

Stay tuned for the confirmed date, and plan to join us for this meaningful evening of community, prayer, and celebration.

Click on each image for more information or to register.

Akita Fun Day October 26, 1 – 4 pm

Camp Akita (29746 Logan-Hornsmill Rd., Logan, OH 43138)

Come join us for an afternoon of fall adventures at Camp Akita on Sunday, October 26, from 1–4 pm!

Drop in anytime for open-house-style fun, including:



• Scenic hikes through colorful trails
• Canoeing or fishing at the lake
• Pumpkin carving and decorating
• A scavenger hunt around camp
• Roasting s’mores by the campfire
• Akita Tiki Time (summer camp-style songs)
• Hayrides to the Adventure Complex with chances to climb the Alpine Tower or try the Giant Swing!

Or simply relax, take in the crisp fall air, and enjoy the gorgeous foliage with friends and family. Whether it’s your very first visit or you’ve been coming for years, we can’t wait to see you there! All are welcome—no registration required.

All activities will be held outdoors unless there is inclement weather. Bring a reusable water bottle, refilling stations will be in the Dining Hall and the Lodge.

First time traveling to Camp Akita? Click here for directions. For more information, email our Columbus Akita Offices.

Camp Akita Day Trip for Older Adults

This is the last chance to register for our upcoming Older Adult Day at Camp Akita! Space is limited, and the registration deadline is Friday, October 3, at 4pm.

Outings to visit First Community’s Camp Akita give older adults the opportunity to delight in the wonder and beauty of fall in this sacred space. Whether visiting for the first time or returning as a regular, there is always something new to experience – from making new friends to cherishing time with those near and dear.

Our next day trip to Camp Akita will be Tuesday, October 21. The day will include fellowship, a shared lunch, the beauty of nature and as always, messages of hope and inspiration.

We will meet at North bright and early at 8:45am, with departure at 9:00am sharp. Participants may choose to ride the bus or drive separately. The bus will return to North by 4 pm.

We look forward to this meaningful day together at Camp Akita!

Register through the link or by clicking the graphic above by 4 pm, Friday, October 3^rd. For more information contact Jane Torbica at (614) 488-0681 ext. 235.

The Conversation Project

On November 5th and 12th, join Rev. Mary Kate Buchanan at The Gathering for a two-part series called The Conversation Project. 

Over the past few years, a common refrain has been heard in hospital rooms, hospice, and the pastoral care office: "I wish we would have talked about this." 

What's the goal? To help everyone talk about their wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected. We believe that the place for this to begin is at the kitchen table—not in the intensive care unit—with the people who matter most to us, before it’s too late.

It's not an easy conversation, which is why we need some encouragement, resources, and accountability, in order to have it! This is a conversation for all of us- no matter your age or life stage. Learn more about The Conversation Project here: https://theconversationproject.org/

This is the latest installment in the Older Adult Ministry's "Getting Our Ducks in a Row" series. We'll be back after the holidays to check in and see how your conversations with your loved ones are going! 

Be on the lookout for next steps, including Estate Planning, Caregivers Resources and Support, and Emergency Binder Building. 

Older Adults Enjoy Safari Adventure at The Wilds 

On Tuesday, September 23, a group of older adults embarked on a memorable trip to The Wilds, where breathtaking views and fascinating wildlife made for a day to be remembered.

The adventure began with a deli-style buffet lunch, shared in good company with anticipation for the adventurous journey ahead. Energized and ready to go, the group boarded the safari vehicles and set out across the rolling hills of the conservation park.

Along the way, participants were delighted to see a baby rhino with its mother following closely, zebras grazing in the fields while their young ones played, and herds of bison moving together across the landscape. A few lucky travelers even spotted a lounging cheetah in the carnivore section of the park.

The safari experience gave everyone a chance to marvel at animals rarely seen up close, all while learning about the conservation work being done to protect and increase the numbers of the many endangered species that can be seen at The Wilds. Laughter, spirit, and a sense of adventure filled the day, making it a truly special outing for the older adult community.

As one participant shared with a smile halfway through the tour, “Let’s do this again next year!”

A special thank you to the First Community Foundation for making this trip possible through a grant for Older Adult Ministry programming.

Thursday, October 30, 1:30 pm in the South library, the October book is Circle of Hope: A Reckoning with Love, Power and Justice in an American Church, by Eliza Griswold.

On August 27, women from the church gathered to usher in the new program year for the Women’s Guild. It was the traditional potluck, i.e. a wonderful, plentiful array of delicious dishes with something there for everyone! 

This year’s charitable offering was for Friends of the Homeless, in honor of Carol Baker. Carol worked for over 40 years seeing that there were volunteers to provide a hot meal every Monday night (rain or shine, every day or holiday, blistering heat or freezing cold) to take to the shelter to serve up to 120 men. 

The women were extremely generous providing many of the most needed items at the shelter such as twin sheets, bath towels, shower shoes, socks, underwear, men’s toiletries, laundry soap, etc. The donations filled more than 2 full cars. 

Accepting the gift and sharing information and insights about Friends of the Homeless was Mathias Kendricks, the manager of the shelter. He has been there for many years and remains a very caring, compassionate man who has a good understanding of the up to 150 men who come to the shelter from all sorts of circumstances and with many different needs. The shelter not only offers a safe place for men to stay but also works to provide wrap-around services to assist the men to move on. 

Dinner was followed by the installation service to officially install Sue Secord as chair, Sherry Goubeaux as vice chair, Martha Livingston as treasurer, Darian Torrence as recording secretary, Pat Porterfield as corresponding secretary, Nancy Withers as membership chair, and Sharon McGraw as past chair. The chairs of each of the ten Guild groups were also sworn in. The Reverend Seth Stearns led the installation service and the evening concluded with the traditional candle-lighting ceremony, sending us all out into the world to let our “light of love” shine bright.

If you are interested in learning more about the Women’s Guild, please contact Nancy Withers at nancyfly70@gmail.com or by calling (614) 571-4469. 

Ballots and Bites: Bake Sale Delights on Election Day! 

Betty O’Neill was a long time Women’s Guild member who was dedicated to the bake sale that accompanied the November election for years. She would begin baking and making snacks and candies in early October. In light of her enthusiasm for, and contributions to, the bake sale every year, the Women’s Guild has named it the “Annual Betty O’Neall Election Day Bake Sale.”

The sale occurs at both church locations and will provide a wide assortment of home-baked goods, such as cookies, brownies, muffins, breads, coffee cakes, and homemade snacks. In addition, there will be sloppy joes and four different kinds of soup. Except for the soups and several large items, everything is sold by “donation only.” All proceeds go to support the Women’s Guild church and community mission programs. 

Whether you vote at one of the church locations or not, we hope that you will stop by to treat yourself, your family, or your co-workers to something special!

P.S. If you’re not registered to vote, you have through October 4 to do so to vote in the November election.  

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