Rev. Dr. Glen Miles, Senior Minister

“Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Romans 12:2

I memorized this verse in the old King James Version of the Bible when I was a Commander in the Jet Cadets for Jesus Club. Mrs. Schwartz, our leader, had us memorize new verses every week. It was a nice way to win awards and advance in rank, but we didn’t really spend a lot of time trying to understand what the Bible verses actually meant.

Even after I began seminary, I did not pay much attention to this word. It was one of those seemingly stuffy verses in Paul’s letter to the Romans that sounds important and theological but uninspiring, at least to my theologically untrained self.

The very first time I heard a sermon on this text was in 2003 at the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Charlotte, NC. The preacher was the Reverend Professor Peter Gomes, Chaplain and Professor of Morals at Harvard University. I got to meet him that morning for breakfast. My colleague and co-worker at the time, Rev. Carla Aday, was the best friend of his associate chaplain, Rev. Claudia Highbaugh, who was also attending the conference. Carla arranged the gathering. She has a graduate degree from Yale. Claudia and Peter were faculty members at Harvard. For me, a little Bible college grad, it was an intimidating event! 

After we ordered our coffees, introductions were made. Peter asked Carla where she went to school, “Yale,” she said. She and Claudia had been roommates there. The three of them talked Ivy League school banter while I carefully studied my scrambled eggs, hoping no one would speak to me.

Finally, Gomes looked at me and asked, “And where did you attend, Glen?”

“I went to a little Bible college in the woods of Oregon.”

“OH GOOD,” Gomes roared, causing every person in the restaurant to look our way. “At least one of us here actually KNOWS the BIBLE!”

Later that day, in the sermon, he began with Romans 12, “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

In the sermon, he challenged us, the crowd probably being 60% or more preachers, to bring our minds to the work of the ministry. He noted that too often we soften our sermons with sentimentality rather than taking on the challenging issues of the day. I’m pretty sure I wasn’t the only one who needed to hear this message. 

His challenge really caught my attention. He called on us to apply our faith to our lives, to apply our understandings of the teachings of Jesus to the way we think and live and move in the world. Claiming to follow Jesus is much easier than actually doing so. 

The renewed mind, one that is changed by taking the message of Jesus seriously, sees the world through the lens of Jesus’ love. This applies to everything in our lives. Our relationships, our work, our politics, our actions, and more. It’s easy to gloss over Jesus’ powerful teaching with simplistic sentimentalities, but opening our minds to the transformative love of God as revealed in the life of Jesus will touch every aspect of our lives. 

Is this way of life easy? No. Theologian Shane Claiborne says, “The more I get to know Jesus, the more trouble he seems to get me into.” He’s right, but it’s good trouble and a clear reminder that when enough of us do take Jesus seriously, the world will be transformed as well.

You’re Invited to Worship | Sunday, September 7

Start the new program year with First Community this Sunday!

Rev. Dr. Glen Miles preaches “Grace Anatomy” with scripture from Genesis 1:1–2, 31 and Revelation 22:21. (Communion, Childcare, and Sunday School are offered at all services this week.)

Morning Worship (directions linked below)

FC North: 9 & 11 AM

FC South: 10 AM

Sunday Night: All Together Now—The Big Kickoff

5 PM, FC North, Sanctuary

Dinner and activities to follow in Wing Grace Hall

Dinner from Stephen’s Catering, live music from the Common Grace Band, a family-friendly vibe with games and more—all ages welcome.

➡️ Register for Sunday night here

Registration closes Thursday at noon—please sign up today so we can plan for dinner.

Whether you're new or returning, there's a place for you here.

We look forward to seeing you!

This week in Sunday school

This Sunday, we will experience the Godly Play lesson called, “The Light.” This lesson helps us feel God’s presence and think about how God’s light lives in us and is not diminished when it is shared with others. After the lesson, we will spend time getting to know each other.    

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 

Sunday School 

On Kickoff Sunday, September 7 classrooms will open 15 minutes before each worship service so families can stop in before heading to worship. 

Midweek Missions & Choir 

Wednesdays, 6–7 pm | First Community North, Education Wing 

• K–3rd Grade: Choir (6–6:30 pm), then Midweek Missions (6:30–7 pm) 
• 4th -8th Grade: Midweek Missions (6-6:30 pm), then Choir (6:30-7 pm). 
• Midweek Missions (K–8): A hands-on time for children to be God’s hands in the world through meaningful service projects. 
• Youth Choirs (K-8): A warm, supportive environment where children learn music literacy and develop their voices in community. 

Questions? Contact Julie Richards, Director of K-5 Ministry, jrichards@fcchurch.com  

Church Merch Is Back This Sunday!

Swing by before or after services to browse fresh picks at Church Merch—books, Camp Akita gear, and more. Stock up on gifts, grab something for yourself, and show your FC spirit. Supplies are limited, so come early and check out what’s new!

Join us for Vision Night at The Gathering—a shared meal and special midweek service where we cast the vision for the year ahead. On Wednesday, September 10, we’ll enjoy a comfort-food dinner of fried chicken, potato salad, fresh salad, and dessert at 5:30, then move into a hope-filled service with prayer, a special video, music by the Common Grace Band, and a look at our Starting Strong: Small Seeds, Big Vision focus for the fall.

Come hungry for food and inspiration, bring a friend, and lean in with us to what God can grow when we show up together. Dinner first, service to follow at FC North (Grace Hall). All ages welcome.

Midweek Missions & Choir begin September 10(K–8)

We would love to see all K–8th graders at Midweek Missions and choir beginning Wednesday, September 10.

• 5:30 pm – “The Gathering” light supper and worship
• 6–6:30 pm – K–3rd choir; 4th–8th Midweek Missions
• 6:30–7 pm – K–3rd Midweek Missions; 4th–8th choir
• 7–7:30 pm – 4th–8th bell choir

Rose Konrath, Governing Board Chair

Kindness and Angels

I've received what feels like more than my share of unexpected kindness over the last few months.

Recently, I attended a Grief program with a friend who lost her mom. The facilitators were kind, welcoming, and excellent listeners. They created a loving, sacred space. One facilitator shared she was comforted by the idea of an angel as a connection to a lost loved one. As she walked the beach during her vacation, she kept thinking about angels, then started seeing them. As a gift, she brought home a small bag for each participant. Inside were seashell pieces that could be arranged like… an angel. I want to leave you with a few "angel" words and a photo.

Excerpt from A Blessing of Angels

by John O'Donohue

May the Angel of Awakening stir your heart

To come alive to the eternal within you,

To all the invitations that quietly surround you.

A New Season Just Around the Corner

School is back in session, the days are a bit shorter, and it's almost Labor Day. My summer seems to have raced by. Hope yours behaved a little better. While it's hard to see summer in the rear-view mirror, I'm looking forward to the start of our new First Community church year.

Darkness to Light Training

We are almost at 100% completion of Darkness to Light training by the Governing Board (GB). Several members of the GB who hadn't already completed the training joined nine volunteers to participate in an in-person training session on August 19, facilitated by Rev. John Girard. This training is focused on creating and maintaining safe environments for children by preventing child sexual abuse through awareness, education, and stigma reduction. John did an excellent job engaging us in the course content and meaningful discussion. Thanks to John for his skillful presentation and to the attendees for their attention and commitment to the safety of our children.

Governing Board August Activities

• Personnel Committee – continued work in collaboration with Rev. John Girard on the enhanced FC Staff Onboarding process to include key documents, topics, links, training, and items specific to each location.
• Finance – review of finances, forecasts

Looking Ahead

Upcoming Governing Board activities include:

• Finance – ongoing financial review
• Staff Appreciation
• Coordination with South Assessment Task Force
• Personnel Committee – complete enhanced FC onboard process

Next Meeting Date

Our next Governing Board meeting is Wednesday, September 24, at 7 pm at First Community North, Room 102. If there is something you would like to ask, recommend, or discuss, please reach out to me, and we can schedule a call or meeting.

With gratitude and blessings,

Rose Konrath

Governing Board Chair

(614)620-7406

konrathrose@gmail.com

TC Brown Returns with a Spotlight on

Rev. Seth Stearns

Guest contributor TC Brown returns with his third piece for firstnews, this time spotlighting Rev. Seth Stearns. In this month’s feature, TC sits down with Seth to reflect on his call to ministry, his heart for worship and pastoral care, and the hopes he carries for our congregation in the season ahead. We’re grateful for TC’s thoughtful storytelling—read on to get to know Rev. Seth beyond Sunday.

by TC Brown, Guest Contributor

The Rev. Seth Stearns took the proverbial road less traveled to ministry—ten years in behavioral health and consulting, followed by two decades in the corporate world. And while no one would call him timid, the first time he rose to address the congregation, he opened his mouth and nothing came out. “It was a deer-in-the-headlights moment,” recalls Stearns, who arrived in July 2022. He stood speechless until the Rev. Mary Kate Buchanan quietly mouthed, “The greeting.” “My anxiety level was up,” he says. “I blanked; I had nothing, but then I just started moving my mouth.”

An Akron native, Stearns dropped in and out of church as a kid. After Bible and theology courses, he graduated from Grove City College (Pa.) with an economics degree, then spent a “couple of aimless years” before enrolling at the Methodist Theological School in Delaware. More than three years later he finished with a master’s in counseling, setting aside his original plan for parish ministry. He worked in behavioral health and consulting for a decade, then pivoted fully into corporate IT—stops included what is now J.P. Morgan Chase, Sterling Commerce, Express, and Excel Management Systems, where he spent 13 years and served as COO. After helping sell Excel, he was hired by First Community as executive director of operations.

“Since leaving seminary I was trying to figure out a way back to church, but I struggled with the doctrine of most churches,” Stearns says.

“When I first came here a clergy role was not in my head.” That changed when he began leading worship to fill an opening. “I realized this was something that really felt at home and natural,” he says. A few months in, Senior Minister Glen Miles told him, “Let’s talk about this calling you’ve been putting off.” Stearns was subsequently “commissioned” into the clergy by the Disciples of Christ, sparing a return to seminary. He came back to his office to find 100 tiny Jesus figures hidden everywhere—Rev. Mary Kate Buchanan and the Rev. John Girard were the culprits. “I was finding them everywhere, even in the coffee maker,” he laughs.

Today, in addition to serving as minister of the Spiritual Life & Learning Center, Stearns directs the Foundation Board, which supports ministries across the church.

Introducing our new combined Mission & Justice Newsletter—your one-stop update for service opportunities, community partnerships, and advocacy across First Community. This edition replaces On A Mission! and now includes stories and action items from our Justice Ministry (Environmental Justice, Racial Equity, LGBTQ+, Gun Violence Prevention, and more), alongside ways to serve, give, and get involved. Take a look at what’s coming up and how you can make a difference—read the latest issue here.

Gun Violence Prevention and Safety Justice Team

Given the epidemic of gun violence and suicide sweeping the country, our First Community ministry team has been busy creating a response to this situation. Our faith-based goal is threefold:

1. Surround those affected by suicide with love.
2. Provide them with a place and community in which they feel safe.
3. Provide information to help reduce the stigma associated with suicide.

It may not be seen as an uplifting topic to contemplate, but we believe that providing solid and reliable information will support those impacted by suicide. We hope to showcase that our faith community is committed to walking with others in all moments of their life experiences, including the difficult times. Most importantly, we want to do our part to prevent suicide from happening. Even if we only prevent one suicide, our efforts will have been worth it.

________

Voices for Hope: Surviving and Thriving the Crisis of Suicide

We will present a series of events beginning in September, which is Suicide Prevention Month. We hope you will join us for the first of these events, Voices for Hope: Surviving and Thriving the Crisis of Suicide. Dr. John Ackerman, a clinical psychologist and the Clinical Manager of the Center for Suicide Prevention and Research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, will be the keynote speaker. He is an engaging speaker, and a widely published, renowned expert in the field. Dr Ackerman’s presentation will be followed by time for questions and answers.

Before and after the presentation, participants will be able to visit the resource tables staffed by representatives from 10 organizations focused on gun safety and suicide prevention. These local and national organizations support families who have been impacted by suicide.

Voices for Hope: Surviving and Thriving the Crisis of Suicide.

Saturday, September 27, 10 am - 12:30 pm

Wing Grace Hall, First Community North

This dynamic and meaningful event is free to the public! Registration is now open.

Supplemental Suicide Prevention Series

Mark your calendars for October 8, 15, 22, and 29.

A supplemental series of events will occur during The Gathering on Wednesday evenings in October. Each of the four 1-hour programs features experts in suicide prevention in groups documented at increased risk for suicide: youth, people of color, veterans, and the Queer community. Please join Rev. John Girard and the team on Wednesday evenings, October 8 – 29, from 5:30 pm to 7 pm. The Gathering includes a light supper in Wing Grace Hall at FC North. More information regarding these Wednesday evening presentations is forthcoming.

________

 For more information about our ministry teams or these events, please email socialjustice@FCchurch.com

Darkness to Light:

Empowering Our Community to Protect Children

At First Community, the safety and well-being of our children isn’t optional—it’s foundational. Through Darkness to Light child sexual abuse prevention training, we equip adults to prevent, recognize, and responsibly respond to abuse. By raising awareness, teaching practical steps, and reducing stigma, Darkness to Light helps us create environments where children are protected and can thrive. To date, 325 of our volunteers, staff, and Governing Board members have completed this vital training—an ongoing sign of our commitment to a secure, nurturing church.

All Heart to Heart food pantry volunteers are required to complete this training before serving.

One recent participant reflected:

“I was very moved by the Darkness to Light training. The instructor handled a difficult topic with care and professionalism. The videos opened my eyes to both the risks and the ways I can advocate for children. The workbook was a helpful place for notes during the session—and a resource I’ll return to.”

If you haven’t yet attended and plan to volunteer—or if you have questions—please email SocialJustice@FCchurch.com

It’s a simple, meaningful way to safeguard our community. If you ever suspect or encounter child sexual abuse, help is available 24/7 at 800.656.HOPE (call or text) or by texting HOME to 741741 to reach a trained crisis counselor. All conversations are confidential.

Together, we can build a safer future for every child.

Click on each image for more information or to register.

Join us for an afternoon of luminous sacred music tracing a journey from questioning to assurance. The Sacred in Song: Doubt to Belief brings together four gifted artists—Helen Allen, soprano; C. Andrew Blosser, tenor; Philip Everingham, piano; and Daniel Jacobs, viola—in a program that interweaves beautiful texts and transcendent sound.

You’ll hear works by Hugo Wolf, Benjamin Britten, James Primosch, Olivier Messiaen, and Ralph Vaughan Williams, composers who give voice to the heart’s wrestling and the soul’s peace.

Sunday, September 14 • 3 pm • FC South

Come, exhale, and let the music lead you from doubt toward belief. All are welcome—invite a friend for this contemplative, hope-filled concert.

Brunch Bunch Resumes

Brunch Bunch (Young Adults 20s & 30s)

Food + friendship = Brunch Bunch! If you’re in your 20s or 30s, join us for an easy, low-pressure meetup to connect with other young adults from First Community. We’ll share conversation and community over tasty bites—first-time guests and friends are warmly welcome.

When: Sunday, September 21 at 11:30 am

Where: Food Street, 3373 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202

RSVP: Email Kristyn Anderson at kmanderson76@gmail.com

Appetizers are on us; feel free to purchase additional food or drinks. A special thanks to the First Community Foundation for supporting this gathering.

LAST CALL: Your Safari Awaits!

Registration deadline extended: Thursday, September 4 at 4 pm.

Join the Older Adult Ministry on Tuesday, September 23 for a special day trip to The Wilds, a 10,000-acre safari park and conservation center in southeastern Ohio. We’ll ride through wide-open landscapes in an open-air safari vehicle where animals like zebras, giraffes, rhinos, and cheetahs roam in large, natural pastures. This guided tour is fully accessible and a wonderful way to learn about rare and endangered species—and the remarkable conservation work happening right here in Ohio.

We’ll meet at First Community North at 9:45 am and depart at 10 am sharp. You may ride the bus or drive separately. The bus will return to North by 5:00 pm.

This safari experience is free of charge—including the bus trip, lunch, and the tour. Space is limited, so please reserve your seat today. The registration deadline is Thursday, September 4 at 4 pm.

To register or learn more, click the image above or contact Jane Torbica at jtorbica@fcchurch.com or (614) 488-0681, ext. 235.

Sponsored by the Older Adult Ministry and made possible through a grant from the First Community Foundation.

Camp Akita Day Trip for Older Adults

Outings to First Community’s Camp Akita let older adults savor the beauty and wonder of fall in this sacred space—at your own pace. Whether it’s your first visit or a cherished tradition, each trip offers something new: time in nature, meaningful conversation, and space to make new friends while reconnecting with those near and dear.

Our next day trip is Tuesday, October 21—a day filled with fellowship, lunch, time outdoors, and a message of hope and inspiration on Vesper Hill. We’ll meet at FC North at 8:45 am and depart at 9 am sharp. You may ride the bus or drive separately. The bus will return to North by 4 pm. We look forward to seeing you there!

Please register by 4 pm on Friday, October 3 clicking the image above or scanning the QR code. For more information, contact Jane Torbica at (614) 488-0681, ext. 235.

Mr. Rogers Intergenerational Service Day:

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

On Wednesday, July 30, Wing Grace Hall came alive with the spirit of neighborliness as people of all ages gathered for Mr. Rogers Intergenerational Service Day. It was a wonderful evening of community, creativity, and service—reminding us that being a good neighbor is not only kind; it is holy work.

We opened with King Friday’s Feast, setting the table for joy and connection. Members of the Common Grace Band welcomed guests with songs of friendship, underscoring the heart of the night: true community is built on compassion and care.

A moving video montage traced Fred Rogers’ legacy—from his calm, persuasive testimony before the U.S. Senate that helped secure funding for public broadcasting, to the simple, profound moment he shared a wading pool with Officer François Clemmons, cooling their feet together and quietly challenging racial barriers. We also revisited his tender duet of “It’s You I Like” with Jeff Erlanger, and their surprise reunion years later at Fred’s Lifetime Achievement Award. The montage closed with Mr. Rogers’ farewell, as he looked into the camera and thanked viewers for being his neighbor.

Erica Carlson then brought her gifts to the gathering, sharing a story of friendship that sparked imagination and joy. To the delight of all ages, she introduced her companions—Sedgy the hedgehog, Clover the dog, and Picasso the turtle—before leading a lively round of Friendship Bingo. In so many ways, Erica’s creativity, play, and compassion echoed Mr. Rogers himself, inviting us into deeper friendship and neighborliness.

Afterward, participants explored interactive service stations that turned kindness into action:

• Kindness Tree – Guests wrote what kindness means to them on paper leaves, and the tree blossomed into a beautiful display of encouragement.
• Kindness Kits – Individuals and families assembled snack packs for unsheltered neighbors, in partnership with Heart to Heart.
• Neighbor Notes – Handcrafted, sticker-bright notes carried messages of care and support.
• Give-It-Away Bay – Door hangers, painted rocks, clothespin clips, and pipe-cleaner flowers became “reverse scavenger hunt” gifts—small tokens of kindness to give away.

Joy was everywhere. Children worked alongside grandparents, teens created with adults, and whole families discovered the happiness that comes from giving. As the evening closed, the room brimmed with connection, creativity, and generosity—truly, as Mr. Rogers would say, a beautiful day in the neighborhood.

This event was sponsored by the Older Adult Ministry and made possible through a grant from the First Community Foundation.

2025 Women’s Retreat:

Celebrating the Strength and Joy of Women Everywhere

Join us for a day of strength, joy, and community at the 2025 Women’s Retreat, held in honor of the International Day of the Girl—a global celebration affirming girls’ full and equal dignity and participation. Featuring keynote guides Revs. Mary Kate Buchanan and Sarah Kientz, the day will offer thoughtful, interactive presentations; time to connect and create with friends; and moments of prayer and song. Music will be led by Ami Peacock, soloist from the 2024 Akita retreat. You’ll find space for quiet reflection, meaningful conversation, and delicious food throughout.

We are also proud to support two women-owned organizations during the retreat: Kindway and Freedom a la Carte, both empowering women through second-chance opportunities and transformative support.

Saturday, October 11, 10 am–3 pm. Cost: $25 for adults; $10 for girls age 9+. Confidential scholarships are available. Registration is due by Friday, September 26, and space is limited—please register early. Scan the QR code in the graphic, click the graphic, or contact Jane Torbica at jtorbica@fcchurch.com or (614) 488-0681, ext. 235.

All women are welcome to this meaningful and uplifting day, sponsored by the First Community Women’s Guild.

Lemonade Sunday

Each year in mid-to-late August, the Women’s Guild of First Community hosts a cookie-and-lemonade gathering after each worship service to help women learn more about the Guild. This year’s event was held on Sunday, August 24.

The morning began with a brief presentation at each service—Nancy Withers at North and Martha Livingston at South. Women from our various Guild groups provided a wide array of homemade cookies, and representatives stayed after worship to visit with anyone interested in joining.

We’re grateful to share that the event was a success. Several women expressed interest, shared their contact information, and will hear from our Membership Coordinator soon.

All who asked to learn more will be invited to a lovely tea to meet other women, explore the different groups, and get their questions answered. Notably, a number of younger women in the midst of child-rearing expressed interest in a group geared to their season of life; in response, a new Guild group will be formed with their needs in mind.

We also shared details for the Women’s Retreat at North on October 11, 10 am–3 pm. All women are invited—and encouraged to bring daughters, nieces, and granddaughters—in celebration of the International Day of the Girl.

For more information about the Women’s Guild or any sponsored activities, please contact Nancy Withers at (614) 571-4469 or nancyfly70@gmail.com.

This month, we’re celebrating a decade of friendship and impact with the Dominica School and Orphanage (DSO). If you or your student has been to DSO, you’ll love seeing what’s happened since those first trips—and if you haven’t, this is a beautiful window into the good your generosity makes possible.

From reopening the high school and adding classrooms to installing reliable power and water, your gifts through the Dominica School & Orphanage Support Fund (DSOSF) have fueled steady, practical progress. Today DSOSF covers the majority of operations and nearly all infrastructure improvements—with administrative costs covered separately so every donated dollar goes directly to the school and orphanage. Explore photos, stats, and the full 10-year timeline in the Summer 2025 update. 

New to First Community—or ready to reconnect? Join Rev. Dr. Glen Miles and Director of Member Engagement Kristy Glaser for a relaxed Saturday meetup over coffee and conversation. Glen will share a bit about our church’s mission and ministries, answer questions, and help you find your next step at First Community.

When: Saturday, October 11 at 9:30 am

Where: First Community North, 3777 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43221

RSVP: Email kglaser@FCchurch.com to register.

Bring a friend, grab a cup, and get to know the heart of our community. All are welcome!

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*Some content in this newsletter was generated with artificial intelligence.