Dear friend,

I am sad to report Rev. Kate Shaner, Minister of Mission, has resigned. Her last day with us will be August 7. Kate has served First Community in various roles during her time on our staff. We will miss her caring pastoral presence, passion for justice, and enthusiastic, energetic presence on our team. There will be more to share about celebrations of her ministry, but for now, please join me in saying a prayer of thanksgiving for her work among us.

The Faith Kit sermon series and accompanying podcast are inspired by NPR's Life Kit series. You can expect to hear helpful and applicable advice on how to live a life of faith while facing everyday anxieties and worries.

Episode Five of the Faith Kit Podcast is out now!

Glen's guest for this episode is Jim Keck. You can read about Jim and listen to the episode here or at the link below.

(Pictured left is Rev. Jim Keck)

NEW EPISODE COMING THIS FRIDAY IN GLEN'S WEEKLY EMAIL -

STAY TUNED!

In Sunday school this summer, we will gather as one K-5 class at 10 am South and 11 am North to explore stories of faith. As a response, the children will use Legos to show the connection each of them made to what they learned.

This week, we will hear the story of the wise man who built his house on a foundation of stone, and the foolish man who built on a foundation of sand. Following the lesson and response we will go outside to play when possible. Please dress your child in something they can play in comfortably.

Have you ever thought about becoming more involved in worship? We would love to invite you to help us usher at our 10 am South worship service. This is a great way to get involved without a huge time commitment, usually just once a month. There will be training Saturday, August 6 with new and current worship leaders. If you are interested, please contact Robin Hood at rhood@FCchurch.com or (614) 488-0681 ext. 235. Looking forward to welcoming you!

The Grandview Hop is a summertime market and community stroll that takes place on Grandview Avenue the last Saturday of the month from 5-9 pm. You can read more about the event on Facebook.

First Community will have a booth at this event on Saturday, July 30, and we’re in need of volunteers. Please consider giving 2-3 hours of your time to meet and greet our neighbors in the community while offering a carnival game with prizes for folks of all ages to enjoy. If you’re interested in volunteering at our booth, please contact Kristy Glaser at kglaser@FCchurch.com no later than Thursday, July 21.

The Back Bay Mission trip is October 2-8. Anyone interested in learning more about this trip should join us for this informational trip meeting. We will meet in the library at south on July 7 at 2 pm. More information about the trip is available HERE.

Refugee Welcome Team A meeting originally scheduled for tonight has been postponed.

In lieu of our traditional monthly meetings of each community justice team separately, we are taking the time to get together as the larger community justice group in July. If you are already a part of our gun violence prevention, racial equity, and/or environmental justice teams or if you would like to hear more about our work, this is the meeting for you. We will discuss our mission/goals, where we have been, and where we are going. Just as importantly, we will be breaking bread (in the form of pizza) together as we engage and dream together. This meeting/dinner will take place on Monday, July 25 at 6:30 pm. Stay tuned for more details!

We will be reading and discussing David Whyte's poems, as well as the short, thoughtful essays from his book, Consolations. Join us for stimulating conversation and communing whenever you can. 

Group Coordinator Linda Baldeck.

Weekly contemplative practice with sacred readings. Participants select readings for lectio divina reading and spiritual discussion.

Around 12:25 the group enters into a 30-minute silent meditation practice of participants' choice. Hosted by Rev. David Hett, or by other group leaders.

Facilitated by Connie Johnston and Rev. David Hett

Subscriptions recommended to www.progressingspirit.com.

Coordinated by the Rev. David Hett, Dean of The Burkhart Center.