Join us for the final Gathering of the spring season tonight! It's been a meaningful season of connection, reflection, and community—and we’re closing it out with a night full of warmth and gratitude.

Dinner will be served at 5:30 pm and includes pizza, salad, and cupcakes—a simple, delicious way to gather around the table with friends new and old.

After dinner, children are invited to attend children’s choir, while adults remain in Grace Hall for the final session of Rev. Dr. Glen Miles' Bible study series, It’s Only Wednesday but Sunday’s Comin’.

Whether you’ve attended each week or this would be your first time, all are welcome. Come for the food, stay for the fellowship—and help us celebrate a great season of The Gathering!

You’re Invited: Sunday Worship at First Community

May 4| 9 & 11 am at FC North | 10 am at FC South

You're Invited: New Sermon Series Begins Sunday, May 4

This Sunday, May 4, Rev. Dr. Glen Miles will begin a powerful new sermon series titled Finish Strong—a timely and inspiring focus on transformation and action as we move forward in faith together.

The first message in the series is rooted in Acts 9:1–6, the dramatic story of Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus. It’s a reminder that real change is possible, and that God calls each of us to step boldly into new life.

Whether you’re just beginning your faith journey or seeking fresh inspiration, this series offers encouragement and hope for the road ahead.

Join us for worship:

📍 First Community North

9 am – Grace Hall

11 am – Sanctuary

3777 Dublin Rd., Columbus

📍 First Community South

10 am – Sanctuary

1320 Cambridge Blvd., Columbus

We hope to see you there as we begin this meaningful journey together!

This week in Sunday school

• The K-1st grade classes at 9 and 11 am will learn about the Bible passage, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 by reading the colorful picture book, To Everything by Bob Barner. These well-known verses remind us that everything has a season.
• The 2nd-5th grade classes at 9 and 11 am, and the K-5th grade class at 10 am will hear the Godly Play story, The Most Important Commandment. Jesus was asked, “what is the most important commandment?” He answered with a beautiful statement summarizing God’s teachings.

FC South Assessment Task Force Update

Thank you to everyone who participated in the recent focus group meetings and shared your perspectives with us. Your engagement and willingness to speak openly is a vital part of this process.

As we’ve reviewed your feedback, several key themes have emerged:

• Not surprisingly, we are not monolithic in our opinions. Our congregation brings a rich diversity of thought and experience to the table.
• However, one thing was clear: there is a shared sense of urgency. Many of you voiced that we must not “kick the can down the road” when it comes to decisions about the future of FC South.
• Many excellent questions were raised during these conversations, questions that deserve thoughtful answers.

In response, the Task Force is actively working to gather the necessary information and explore all options thoroughly. We feel the same urgency you do, but we also know it’s essential to move forward with care and deliberation. Our goal is to provide the Governing Board with a well-informed and reliable recommendation.

Please stay tuned for more updates as the process continues. We are grateful for your participation, your prayers, and your commitment to the future of First Community.

Ginny Barney, Spokesperson, FC South Assessment Task Force

This exciting program is for children who have completed kindergarten through those entering 3rd grade. Our weekly adventures include fun-filled field trips around the city every Tuesday and exciting trips to the Upper Arlington Library on Wednesdays. On school days, children enjoy plenty of outdoor playtime and water activities to keep them engaged and active.

For more details, please contact Leigh Anne Easterling at LEasterling@FCchurch.com.

Saturday, May 3 | 9 am – 3 pm

Join us for the Women’s Guild Mini Garage Sale, held in conjunction with the Grandview Community Garage Sale on Saturday, May 3, from 9 am to 3 pm in the South Parking Lot.

Donation Drop-off:

Bring your gently used items to the South Parking Lot on:

• Friday, May 2 | 4 – 8 pm
• Saturday, May 3 | Early Morning (before sale starts)

Please note: We cannot accept donations before 4 pm on Friday.

🙌 Volunteers Needed!

Many hands make light work! We need help with:

• Set-up
• Sales
• Tear-down & clean-up

Questions or ready to volunteer?

Contact Kitty Rohrer at kfrohrer@gmail.com or call/text (614) 282-3932.

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