by Rev. Glen Miles, Senior Minister

I read something this week that almost knocked me out of my chair, 

“Praise is our best counter to evil in the world.”

Sounds crazy, doesn’t it? It is crazy, but this is the season of Advent. This is the time of year we dream with God and ask out loud, “What if it’s true? Did a very young woman, a poor peasant from nowhere become the one to bring the messiah into the world as a babe? Can it possibly be true?” ’Tis the season when we wonder, “Do miracles really happen?”

The idea that praise is the best counter to evil comes from an Old Testament scholar, James Howell. He’s reflecting on Psalm 98, one of the traditional scripture readings for worship on Christmas Eve. It reminds us that God gives us the strength to do great things. The old Hebrew poet declares (in a paraphrased version):

Sing to the Beloved a new song

for Love has done marvelous things

Do you see how this works? In offering and singing praise, we find the courage we need to be faithful servants of God’s love. 

Maybe this is why I love the carol Joy to the World. It has been at the top of my list since I was a little boy. My father, a pastor, always closed the Christmas Eve service with the singing of it. Every church I have served in my ministry has sung the sweet little carol, Silent Night and I have grown to love that way of ending the service, especially at midnight. 

However, there is something to be said for ending the service with this joy-filled carol. It is truly a powerful celebration of the Lord’s arrival. A few years ago, I learned that Isaac Watts, the author of the carol, wrote it to celebrate the second coming of Jesus, not the first Advent, the one we celebrate as Jesus’s birth. 

Watts is celebrating the Earth and heaven finally joining together in heavenly praise for God and all that is God’s. The carol calls on us to participate in this praise and prepare. You remember the words:

Joy to the World, the Lord is come

Let Earth receive her king

Let every heart prepare him room

In the song of praise, in preparation for Christ’s love being made real, we find the strength to stand up to anything, even evil. That sounds like a lot to ask for Christmas, but it may be the finest gift we will ever receive. The world needs God. The world needs you.

As the season of Advent unfolds, we find ourselves invited to pause and rediscover the wonder of Christmas through Rev. Dr. Glen Miles' engaging sermon series titled "Begin Again: Rediscovering the Spirit of Christmas." This year, Glen will take a unique approach by exploring some of our favorite Christmas movies, revealing the deeper messages of hope, transformation, and community that resonate with the true spirit of the season.

**Week 1: Sunday, December 1 –

"You're a Blessing: Buddy the Elf's Journey"**

Kicking off the series, Glen will focus on the heartwarming journey of Buddy from the beloved movie Elf. Drawing on the scripture from Luke 1:26-38 and Isaiah 43:1-7, this sermon will remind us that, each of us is a blessing, and that embracing our unique role in the world can illuminate the path of hope during this festive season.

**Week 2: Wednesday, December 4 at The Gathering –

"We Can't Go Alone: White Christmas"**

Join us at The Gathering for a special midweek service, as Glen takes us through the classic film White Christmas. Through the lens of Ruth 1 and Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, he will explore the importance of companionship and the strength we find in community, especially during this time when we gather to celebrate and support one another.

**December 8: Children's Musical at 9 and 11 am (North)**

On December 8, we will delight in the joy of our children and youth as they perform their annual Christmas musical during the 9 and 11 am services. Note that there will be no sermon this Sunday, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the creativity and spirit of our youth. There will be no Sunday School of childcare as children of all ages are invited to stay in worship for the musical.

**Week 3: Sunday, December 15 – "Do the Good that is Yours To Do: The Grinch's Transformation"**

On the third Sunday of Advent, Glen will reflect on *How the Grinch Stole Christmas* and the transformative power of goodwill. Using texts from Luke 3:7-16 and Isaiah 58:9b-12, this sermon will inspire us to consider the good works we are called to do in a world that often feels disconnected, reminding us that compassion has the power to change hearts.

**Week 4: Sunday, December 22 – Hope is Worth the Risk: A Muppet Christmas Carol**

As we approach Christmas, Glen will share insights inspired by *A Muppet Christmas Carol*. He will delve into the story of hope and redemption through Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 1:46-55, emphasizing that the journey toward hope can sometimes require courage and risk, but it is always worth it.

This Advent season, let us gather as a community to reflect and celebrate the messages of love, joy, and transformation embodied in these classic films. Each week will offer a chance to connect our faith with the magic of Christmas, equipping us to carry the spirit of the season into our lives and the world around us. We look forward to sharing this journey with you!

This week is the first Sunday of Advent. To begin this period of waiting for the birth of Jesus, most classes will change the paraments in their classroom from green for Ordinary Time, to blue for Advent, and hear the Godly Play story of the Holy Family.

• The 4^th-7^th grade class at 11 am will read the autobiographical story, Elijah’s Angel written and illustrated by Bexley native, Michael J. Rosen. This picture book tells the story of the relationship between the wood carver, Elijah Pierce and Michael, a Jewish boy.

A great way to engage your family in this sacred season is with an Advent wreath. Click HERE for a pattern to make and decorate an Advent wreath at home.

Sunday Intersections is our version of adult Sunday School, where Spirituality, Life, & Learning converge.

Our gatherings will explore a variety of issues through presentations, reflection, and discussion.

For the month of December, Rev. Seth Stearns will host a 4-week series on the book, How the Bible Actually Works by Peter Enns. The next part of the book title is In Which I Explain How an Ancient, Ambiguous, and Diverse Book Leads Us to Wisdom Rather Than Answers. Read along with us or come for the conversation to hear what this author has to say about that, -and Why That’s Great News.

Register to join us or just stop by at 12:30 on Sundays.

by Julie Richards, Director of K-5 Ministry

Thank you for supporting an important cause 

I want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who contributed to the Thanksgiving food drive that benefitted Heart to Heart food pantry and Gladden Community House. This church-wide effort brought in over 2,300 pounds of food for families who need extra love and care this Thanksgiving. It is incredible what we can do when we work together. 

K-5 kids use their hands to do God’s work 

The primary goals of the Midweek Mission program are helping children think about the needs of others and learning the power they have to make a difference in the world.  

From September 25 to November 13, the K-8th grade Midweek Missions kids worked on projects each Wednesday evening to add meaningful details to our annual Thanksgiving Baskets. The children made cookbooks, stamped dishtowels, wrote cards, designed and decorated trivets, sorted food, counted food, and packed baskets. Over the weeks of work, we talked about how we were doing these projects for families who need a little extra love and care. We also talked about how we should do the work as if we were doing it for someone we know and love, even though we will probably never meet the people who receive them. I was impressed weekly by the insight and thoughtfulness of the children.  

On the evening of November 13, we gathered to pack all the projects and food into the large plastic tubs that act as our baskets. The children worked in teams to thoughtfully pack each project and food item off lists specially made for the size of the recipient family. Once each basket was filled and double-checked, the group gathered, put their hands on the tub, and said this prayer, inserting the last name of the family who would receive their gift.  

Loving God, 

May the ______ family be healthy 

May the ______ family be happy 

May the _______family be safe 

May the ______ family feel the love we are sending them this Thanksgiving. 

Thank you, God, for letting us use our hands to do your work. 

Amen 

The children and youth team delivered completed baskets to Gladden Community House on Monday, November 25. It is a blessing to share our gifts with these families.

As the Christmas season approaches, our church is bustling with joyful activities and events designed for everyone in our community. Advent is here, and there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate, connect, and grow together in faith. From festive gatherings to meaningful services, we invite you to join us throughout this month!

The Gathering Returns December 4

This week, we won’t be having The Gathering, but be sure to mark your calendars for next Wednesday, December 4th! We’re kicking off a special lineup of December Gatherings that you won’t want to miss. 🎉

Join us as Rev. Glen Miles continues Part 2 of his Advent Sermon Series, featuring clips from the classic film White Christmas! ☃️✨ This is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the meaning of the season in a fun and engaging way. 

We'll kick off the festivities with delicious pizza, fresh salad, and tempting desserts waiting for you! It’s the perfect reason to come together for a delightful evening of fellowship and community with our church family. The children and youth will be rehearsing for their Christmas musical.

Let’s embrace the spirit of the season together. We can’t wait to see you next week!

We invite you to an extraordinary milestone as we celebrate the 50th annual Carols for Christmas concert on Saturday, December 7 at 4 PM in the North sanctuary! This special event promises to be a highlight of the holiday season, showcasing the beautiful sounds that capture the essence of Christmas.

Join us for an afternoon filled with uplifting music, as we feature performances by the talented Cambridge Choir, Chancel Choir, Whitechapel Ringers, and the Marble Cliff Singers. This year’s concert will present selections from acclaimed composers, including Peter Warlock, Donald McCullough, Abbie Betinis, and many more!

The Carols for Christmas concert has become a cherished tradition in our community, and this landmark year is the perfect opportunity to experience the joy and spirit of the season through engaging performances that will warm your heart.

Come celebrate with us and immerse yourself in the wonder of Christmas music. Bring your family and friends for an evening of festive cheer that you won’t want to miss. We look forward to seeing you there as we ring in the holiday season together!

This year, we are thrilled to announce our Youth Christmas Musical titled "iHope Christmas." This delightful production brings together a talented group of young performers and an inspiring story that will surely capture the hearts of all who attend. "iHope Christmas" follows a special group of kids who decide to create their very own web show called “iHope Live,” named after the show's main character, Hope. As the story unfolds, they embark on a journey to put together a Christmas special, but they quickly realize that they need more inspiration and information before they can go “live.”

Through creativity, collaboration, and the spirit of the season, these kids will learn valuable lessons about friendship, purpose, and the true meaning of Christmas. The musical promises to be both entertaining and uplifting, filled with original songs and heartfelt moments that resonate with audiences of all ages.

Mark your calendars and join us for this festive performance! Bring your family and friends to support our young performers as they share their talents and spread holiday cheer. “iHope Christmas” is sure to leave everyone singing, laughing, and celebrating the joy of the season. We can’t wait to see you there!

Please note there is no 10 am service on this day. Also, children of all ages are invited to remain in worship to see the musical; there will be no Sunday School or childcare offered.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the joyful sounds of the season at our upcoming Harmonies of Hope: Common Grace Christmas Worship Concert! This festive event is scheduled for December 11 and promises to be a heartwarming evening filled with music, fellowship, and delicious food.

Concert Highlight: The concert will feature a delightful mix of traditional Christmas carols and contemporary worship music, designed to uplift your spirit and bring our community together in celebration. One of the highlights of the evening will be the **sing-along section**, where everyone is invited to join in and share their voices in harmony. So warm up those vocal cords and get ready to make a joyful noise!

Dinner Details: Prior to the concert, we will be serving a delicious dinner starting at 5:30 PM. Prepare to enjoy a tasty meal that includes chicken nuggets, fresh salad, and a variety of desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth. This is a great time to gather with family and friends, indulge in good food, and share the excitement of the holiday season!

Concert Time: The concert will begin promptly at 6 PM, so be sure to grab your plate and settle in for an evening that will surely lift your spirits and fill your heart with the joy of Christmas. This event is perfect for all ages, and we encourage you to invite your friends, family, and neighbors to join us in celebrating the true meaning of the season.

We hope your child will join us at the 71st annual Christmas Workshop which will take place at First Community North on Wednesday, December 11 from 6-7:15 pm. This event is a chance for children to make gifts and Christmas decorations for family and friends. As children grow, learning to thoughtfully give and not just receive at Christmas can enhance their understanding of the spirit of this sacred season and help nurture an awareness of the needs of others.  

Christmas Workshop projects are geared toward elementary-age children, but younger children are welcome if accompanied by a grown-up. Please register for this event by December 8 so we can prepare materials for your child.

You're Invited to Our Christmas Movie Night! Get ready to celebrate the Christmas season with warmth, joy, and classic entertainment! Join us for a festive Christmas Movie Night on December 15 in Wing Grace Hall at FC North. We’re excited to kick off the evening with a delicious pizza supper starting at 5 PM. As the evening unfolds, we’ll be serving up delightful treats including cookies, popcorn, and steaming hot chocolate to enjoy during the movie.

At 5:30 PM, we’ll gather together to watch the beloved holiday classic, A Muppet Christmas Carol, on the big screen! Feel free to wear your coziest Christmas pajamas for a relaxed, merry atmosphere. This is a wonderful opportunity to come together, enjoy some good food, and soak in the holiday spirit with friends and family. Don’t miss out on this festive gathering! We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

As the days grow shorter and the nights become longer, we invite you to join us for a special Longest Night service on December 18 at 6 PM at First Community North, Sanctuary. This service is a meaningful time to come together as a community, acknowledging the complexities of this season.

While many celebrate joy and light during the holidays, others may find themselves feeling a sense of loss or struggle. Our Longest Night service is designed to offer solace and hope, providing a space for reflection and connection.

Join us for supper at 5:30 pm in Wing Grace Hall featuring mini sandwiches, chips, and a variety of delicious desserts before we begin the service. It’s a wonderful opportunity to nourish both body and spirit as we share in fellowship and support one another.

We welcome everyone to come as you are and to find comfort in music, sacred words, and prayers. Let’s create a space of healing and hope together this holiday season. We look forward to seeing you there!

4 pm South, Sanctuary - Traditional Children's Service

Join Early Childhood Director Leigh Anne Easterling and Rev. Sarah Kientz for this special children's service where you will hear the Christmas story and see the holy family.

5 pm North, Wing Grace Hall- Family Service

Join Rev. Dr. Glen Miles, First Community Clergy, and the Common Grace band for this contemporary family service.

6 pm South, Sanctuary - Lessons and Carols

Join Rev. Dr. Glen Miles, First Community Clergy, and choir for this traditional lessons and carols service.

8 and 10 pm North, Sanctuary - Lessons and Carols

Join Rev. Dr. Glen Miles, First Community Clergy, combined choirs, and orchestra for this traditional lessons and carols service.

We remember before God, all those who rejoice with us, but upon another shore, and in a greater light, that multitude which no one can number, whose hope was in the Word made flesh, and with whom in the

Lord Jesus we are one forevermore.

The Sanctuary decorations for the Christmas Eve services are provided by these memorial gifts. Each name submitted will be added to a video presentation which will be underscored by music and distributed digitally in church-wide emails and on our church social media platforms. To purchase a memorial, please click here.

Please note: there will be no poinsettia to pick-up, all memorials will be digital. 

Questions?: Contact Shelly Sagraves at (614) 488-0681 ext. 291 or by email.

In 1935, when Dr. Roy Burkhart became Senior Minister, the yearly tradition of the First Rose of Advent was delivered to one of the church’s “Sweethearts” as a symbol of goodwill, affection, caring, and blessings. We are pleased this year to start a new tradition of including couples to receive the First Roses, and who better to begin this tradition than beloved church members and former First Community staff members Hilda and Bill Hensley, who were presented with their roses by Senior Minister, Rev. Dr. Glen Miles.  

Hilda started as a volunteer at the church, working in the Mission and Membership area and writing notes to visitors. The following year, in 1984, she was hired first to work part-time, which started her 26 ½ year journey working for First Community! Bill also came to work for the church and was the Minister of Congregational Care, which is how he and Hilda originally met and worked together.  

Time, circumstances, and fate brought them back together years later, and the rest is history! Bill speaks of how Hilda still greets and interacts when she sees new faces at the church and makes them feel at home. Their dedication, service, and love for First Community are treasured, and it is our honor and pleasure to have the First Roses presented to Bill and Hilda! 

If you would like to join our Sweethearts and receive a rose during the Advent season, please contact Jane Torbica at (614) 488-0681 ext. 235 or at jtorbica@FCchurch.com. 

The firstnews Advent issue will be delivered on Saturday, November 30!

This special issue will feature an Advent devotional from each of our clergy, Advent materials from our friends at A Sanctified Art, and a concise listing of upcoming service and church events.

We hope you will read and share with your friends!

Governing Board Update

by April Howe, Governing Board Chair

Greetings First Community,

The holidays are fast approaching, Eek! The snow this week has got me ready to decorate my home and prepare to welcome family! Are you excited? What are your holiday plans? I also look forward to the Christmas musical presented by our Children and Youth choirs. 

Amongst all the excitement this week, though, a friend of mine, a social worker, reminded me that not all eagerly anticipate the holidays. She shared a quote from Carol Moore on social media: "The holidays are not the light and love for everyone. For some, there will be empty chairs, opposing views, and fractures where love had once been sturdy. For some, there will be strained mental health, strained finances, and strained family relationships. If you can, check in on a friend or family member. Check in on a single mom. Check in on a widow. Check in on a neighbor. Be a light in the darkness."

Now, for the business ~ The Governing Board and related Committees/Task Forces have been very busy in November finishing our work and goals before we break for the holidays. An overview of this work is listed below:

• The audit of 2023 financials for the church and the foundation are complete. ARM CPA gave us a clean audit.
• Revisions to the staff handbook by the Personnel Committee are complete and were approved. (Huge thanks to these Governing Board members for their service! PC Chair and GB Vice Chair Rose Konrath, Catherine Adams (' 25), Rebecca Wolfe (' 25), Dan Davis (' 26), Charlie Boltwood (' 27) for the work on this important project)}.
• As of October 31, the church's operations were $100k below budget for the year, mostly due to the shortfall in revenue. If you have not yet done so, please send in your commitment for the 2025 Estimate of Giving. It is vitally important for our church to create a budget so that we can continue to provide excellent ministries and programming, pay the bills, and meet payroll.
• The annual slate for the Church Nominating Committee is being finalized. Past GB Chair Molly Hagkull will be notifying them. Stay tuned for those announcements!
• The South Facilities Task Force has two meetings scheduled for December. For updates on that work, see Glen's latest all-church email.
• Upcoming changes to our meeting schedule: no December full Gov Board meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for Wed Jan 22nd, 7 pm at FC North, rm 102
• Stay tuned for information on the churchwide annual meeting coming in January.

There will be a lot of activity at both FC North and South in December, and I'm grateful and impressed by how smoothly our facilities continue to run. We're blessed with beautiful facilities and amazing staff who are doing a great job supporting our congregation and community with their time, talent, and resources.

Finally, if you're looking for a way to bring the holiday spirit and support those in need this holiday season, please consider participating in Heart to Heart's Christmas Kindness Project!

Peace & Blessings,

April Howe

Gift your family and friends some First Community merchandise for Christmas! Our online store, First Community Church Merch, is now open with items from First Community, Camp Akita, and Heart to Heart. More additions will be added soon! 

Items can be ordered online and picked up at the North Reception desk or shipped to your home (for a fee). An in-person store will be available in Wing Grace Hall at our North facility, opening on Sunday, December 1! Browse the items after church on Sundays or during the Gathering on Wednesdays!

Please email Sarah Richards or call (614) 488-0681 for questions or additional information. 

Click below to read the On a Mission! monthly news. In this month’s news you can find more information about:



• Read more about the two organizations that will be supported by the Christmas offering this year
• We have so much to share with you about all that is going on at Heart to Heart: we recap FCC and other Thanksgiving food drives, give more information on the Christmas Kindness project, provide events to look forward to, and have two project updates from the Pop-Up Pantry, in addition to our usual statistics reporting
• The Refugee Ministry Team is looking for Welcome Kit donations for C.R.I.S. Details within
• Many events are coming soon at the Tri-Village Trading Post
• The Share and Learn Garden has wrapped up their work, and shares their success in the garden this year
• Details and reminder that in 2025, all Missions and Community Justice Teams will meet together on the third Tuesday of every month

Support 20 Heart to Heart clients by purchasing gifts for their children this Christmas! Visit the Christmas tree displays outside worship spaces at either church location to choose an ornament from the tree which lists a gift for one of these children. Return the gift to the same display with that ornament attached. We will collect gifts through December 15. More information is available online or pick up a flyer outside worship spaces at either location!

Matching Heart to Heart Grant Fundraiser in February

Jill Thomas was the co-founder and original director of Heart to Heart. We will celebrate in memory of her birthday for the entire month of February. The celebration includes the opportunity to make a financial contribution toward the $20,000 matching grant offered by her husband, Duke Thomas. We look forward to celebrating with you and all those who help Heart to Heart serve the community. More details will follow as they become available.

Join us for a Winter Seminar and Workshop that explores aging abundantly scheduled for Tuesday, January 28, from 10 am to 3:30 pm in Richard Wing Grace Hall at FC North. Rev. Beth Long Higgins, VP of Engagement and Director of the Ruth Frost Parker Center for Abundant Aging, will lead this insightful and informative workshop. 

This workshop will begin with an in-depth look at our cultural language and biases towards aging. We will explore how these narratives affect our own experience of aging and how our faith traditions might have an alternative voice of value and hope. Over the course of the day, we will explore alternative ways to think about what it means to age in the 21st century. 

Along with your appetite (lunch will be served!), come prepared to participate, reflect, share, learn, and DREAM about the opportunities uniquely found in later life. We will explore the importance of relationships and of belonging as an antidote to loneliness and isolation. We will consider the role of change throughout our lives and consider what matters most. 

Rev. Beth Long-Higgins, back by popular demand at First Community, will facilitate this event. Beth joined the United Church Homes staff in 2013 after six years as a member of the UCH board of directors. She was named the founding director of the Parker Center in 2017 and is currently the VP of Engagement. Prior to her call with United Church Homes, she served as co-pastor with her spouse, Dave, for 25 years in two United Church of Christ congregations in Ohio and Kentucky. 

She earned an M.Div. from the United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities and her bachelor’s degree from Heidelberg (College) University, where she currently serves on the board of trustees. 

Beth also serves on the UCC Council for Health and Human Service Ministries board of directors. She is a member of the American Society on Aging, where she sits on the Ageism and Culture Advisory Council and the Religion, Spirituality, and Aging Collaborative. She is a trained facilitator through the National Center to Reframe Aging and is a member of the board of SourcePoint, a non-profit agency serving older adults in Delaware County. Beth is a musician and quilter and enjoys traveling with her family. 

This event is free, and a boxed lunch will be served. RSVP by Friday, January 24, by clicking on the link below, using the QR code, or contacting Jane Torbica at jtorbica@FCchurch.com or (614) 488-0681, ext. 235. 

The Older Adult Ministry Team presents this event, which is made possible by a grant from the First Community Foundation. 

Elder Wisdom

Exciting News for Our Next Elder Wisdom Gathering!

We will be welcoming the incredibly talented Katherine Burkman to our upcoming Elder Wisdom meeting! Katherine will share insights from her fascinating career as a professor, director, actor, and author, and discuss her diverse body of work, including her latest publication, Old Age and Death, Tra La: And Other Poems. It’s such a joy to bring her into our community, where we can learn from her experiences and wisdom.

At the meeting, you will have the opportunity to purchase her books, including Old Age and Death, Tra La, which is also available on Amazon. Dr. Burkman’s accomplishments are vast and varied and be assured she is as delightful as she is knowledgeable.

For more information about Katherine and her books, please visit her website.

Click on each graphic for more information or to register.

Next gathering: December 15

Wednesdays

Mondays

Thursdays

Gift Bibles for Third Graders 

Each year First Community is pleased to present our third graders with their very own Bible. The gift of a Bible is a symbolic milestone in a child’s faith development. Bibles will be presented on January 26, 2025, during the 10 am South and 11 am North worship services. 

To reserve a Bible for your third grader, click here. Children in 4th and 5th grade who did not receive a Bible previously are welcome to participate. For your child’s Bible to be personalized with their name, your registration must be submitted by January 12, 2024. Details about the Bible presentation ceremony will be sent to participants in an email during the week before the event.  

For more information, please contact Julie Richards jrichards@FCchurch.com 

2024 has been a very stressful year for everyone due to all the intense presidential campaigning and divided loyalties. Recognizing this, the Women’s Guild went over and above to offer comfort food and assorted homemade goodies at the Betty O’Neill Election Day Bake Sale on November 5th. The sale occurred at the polling places at First Community Church locations. The soups, sloppy joes, and a few large cakes and bread items were priced, but most were sold just “by donation.”  

The Guild workers, Sharon McGraw and Karen Claussen at South and Merci Katz and Kie Seiple at North, arrived at 5:30 am on Election Day to start heating the soups and setting out the baked goods and snacks. Voting at both locations was pretty brisk and steady throughout the day. As usual, the four soups, sloppy joes, bread, and cakes sold out at each location. Due to the Guild members’ generous contribution of cookies and other goodies, we could donate cookies to the Gathering on Wednesday night and share them with the clients at the HOPE Recovery Center. 

In addition to selling food, the Guild also sold knitted washcloths, hats, and scarves, which RSZ member Marcia Williams contributed. Marcia spends the winter knitting items for the sale, and her washcloths, in particular, are very popular items that people look forward to purchasing every November. 

So, how much did the Women’s Guild make from the Betty O’Neill Election Day Bake Sale? We netted between $2,700 and $2,800, a significant amount for a bake sale! Of course, this was only due to the huge effort of the many Guild members in baking and cooking and to the many customers who generously contributed as they made their purchases.   

And how does the Guild use the money it earns? Well, over the years, the Guild has helped the church with an assortment of necessary purchases and repairs, we’ve contributed to a number of community agencies, near and far, that the Mission Council has vetted, we’ve made donations to Akita, and the youth programs for projects and scholarships, and most recently we purchased an electronic whiteboard for the Children’s Music Program in Honor of Sally Beske and her years of devoted service. “Thank You for your ongoing support, which allows us to contribute in many ways!” 

For information about the Women’s Guild and how to join, please contact Nancy Withers at nancyfly70@gmail.com or (614) 571-4469. 

Gives Something that means something. Give blood and give the gift of life. Come to give blood at the First Community Church South's blood drive on Wednesday, December 11 from 10 am- 4 pm. To schedule an appointment, click here.

Your gift helps us live out our vision to serve the world.

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