Hey everyone! Don't forget to join us for the Gathering at First Community North tonight, Wednesday, September 25 at 5:30. We'll be serving up delicious mac and cheese. Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity for fellowship and fun. Life is better when we're together! See you there!

Midweek Missions (MWM) and Choir will continue this evening. Children are welcome to attend Midweek Missions when their schedule allows. MWM is a place where kids in kindergarten- 8th grade can be God’s hands to do important work to support our church and community. A central focus of MWM is empowering children to take action, while building empathy to see the humanity of all people.

We're excited to invite you to join us for Commitment Sunday at First Community Church. This is a special day for our community as we come together to commit our support to the work of the church. There will be a special moment in worship to submit your Estimate of Giving card for the year. After the services, we'll have a fun celebration with cake and a Measuring What Matters take home thank you. Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to be a part of something meaningful. See you there!

This week in Sunday School

• Our K/2nd at 9 am, and K/1st at 11 am will learn about the Golden Rule by reading and discussing the picture book, Do Unto Otters by Laurie Keller.
• Our 3rd/5th at 9 am, K/5th at 10 am, and 2nd/3rd at 11 will hear the Godly Play story, The Good Shepherd. If the shepherd loses even one sheep, they will search until it is found.
• The 4th/7th grade class at 11 am will begin to prepare for the 4th grade First Communion by hearing the Godly Play story about Jesus’ final meal with his disciples called, The Last Passover.

Classes will be offered as follows:

• 9 am North (Rose Wing) - two classrooms: K-2nd, 3rd-5th
• 10 am South (Weist Room) - one classroom: K-5th
• 11 am North (Rose Wing) - three classrooms: K-1st, 2nd-3rd, 4th-7th

Please go here to register for all K-12, 24/25 programs.

Please join us this Sunday, September 29 from 1-5 pm at Camp Akita to honor the past 75 years, while also embracing the future for our next generations of campers.

Let us know you’re coming! Click here to RSVP.

Details include:

• The Akita Gate opens at 1 pm. Busing will be provided at no charge from First Community North at 12 pm, returning by 5:30 pm. RSVP’s are required to reserve a spot.
• Limited parking will be available at Camp Akita. Directional signage and Akita staff in yellow vests will be on hand to help get you to the parking area in the Far Field. Shuttle vans will transport guests from the Far Field to main camp. · To RSVP attendance and/or reserve a spot on the bus, please click here.
• Rev. Sarah Kientz, Minster to Youth & Camp Akita, will lead a casual worship service, beginning at 2 pm. Wear your favorite Akita shirt!
• The day will feature food in the Dining Hall, along with pictures and memorabilia from the past 75 years. Akita-style music will also be highlighted throughout the day!
• The rest of the day is open to hiking, reuniting with old friends, and visiting your favorite Akita spots!

The current Camp Akita might look a little different to campers of 25, 50 or 75 years ago, but the spirit and mission haven't changed. Please plan to help us celebrate the past 75 years, and kick-off the future for the next 75 years!

Camp Akita is located at 29746 Logan-Hornsmill Rd, Logan, OH 43138. For additional information or questions, please contact the Columbus Akita offices or call (614) 488-0681 ext. 113.

Everyone is welcome to receive communion at First Community at any time, but fourth grade is the time we have set aside for our young people to receive their First Communion in a special ceremony. Late elementary is an age when children are old enough to learn about and understand the significance of communion and why it is an important part of our faith tradition.

Fourth graders, and those in fifth grade who did not participate in 2023 are invited to be part of a ceremony on World communion Sunday, October 6 during the 11 am service at First Community North.

Join Rev. Dr. Glen Miles, Rev. Sarah Kientz and Director of K-5 Ministry, Julie Richards on Tuesday, October 1 at 6 pm in the North Sanctuary to learn the significance and symbolism of communion. We will practice taking communion and rehearse what will happen on Communion Sunday. Dessert will be served in the Narthex following the rehearsal. This gathering is strongly recommended.

In addition, we encourage your child to attend Sunday school on September 29 at 11 am at First Community North. The lesson will help set the foundation for understanding why communion is an important part of Christianity.

Registration is required for this free event by September 29.

Are you registered to vote in the 2024 Presidential Election?

Visit voteohio.gov to register or confirm your registration!

REVIVING HOPE: A Climate Action Summit for All Generations

First Community’s Environmental Justice Team invites you to attend on October 12, 9 am – 5 pm, for a multi-congregational engagement around climate action and environmental justice. The program will include presentations, youth panel, action planning, and more! 

Registration fee is $30 and includes lunch. For more information, or to register, click HERE.

Abuse prevention training for volunteers who work with children or youth

In January 2016, First Community Church and Akita staff made a commitment to protecting all children from abuse by offering training in the nationally recognized sexual abuse prevention program, Darkness to Light. First Community staff, whether they work with children or not and volunteers who work with children are required to attend a Darkness to Light sexual abuse prevention training. Re-certification for staff and volunteers who work with children is required every three years.

Darkness to Light Training Information

There are two training options currently available for staff and volunteers. If you have not been trained, please sign up using the link below. Registration is required.

Staff and volunteer training options

• Monday, September 30: 2-4:30 pm, First Community North meeting room

OR

• Tuesday, October 15, 6-8:30 pm, First Community North meeting room

About Darkness to Light

You can find more information about Darkness to Light on their website.

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