Rev. Dr. Glen Miles, Senior Minister

Dear Friends,

An old prophet of God heard God saying to the prophet's people,

How can I give you up?

How can I hand you over?

The people had wandered far, far away from God. They turned their attention to their own selfish needs and desires, sometimes trampling on their neighbors and those on the margins to get whatever it was they wanted. God's initial reaction was anger and a desire to give up on them, but God, as the prophet knew, is God and not a mortal. God's nature is compassionate. God's grace and mercy are unending. Even when we turn our backs and walk away from God, God chases after us to bring us back into a right relationship.

My sermon this Sunday, "Empty Hands Held Open," is based on this old prophet's words quoted above. His name is Hosea. He preached about 700 years before Jesus during a time of terrible turmoil in Israel. He was a fire-and-brimstone preacher until he had an experience of grace. His message changed from "Turn or Burn" to one filled with warm and loving compassion. 

In many ways, this is the oldest story in the Bible. It goes back to the mythological days of Adam and Eve and winds its way through the pages of the Bible and history to today, to you and me. At the end of our days, we all need God.

Miroslav Volf, Professor of Systematic Theology at Yale, says, "Love properly understood is God—the font of all creation and the ultimate goal of all desires; God properly understood is love."

God correctly understood is love. Amen to that (and you'll hear it in the sermon again this Sunday)! I'm looking forward to sharing this sermon with you. Everyone I know (and by everyone, I mean everyone) needs a little grace and a dash of mercy. In a world becoming more and more ungracious, we followers of Jesus are called to share God's grace wherever we are found.

I am looking forward to sharing this message with you. It is filled with good news. The music on Sunday will be amazing as well. The Common Grace Band, performing at 9 am in Wing Grace Hall at FC North, will inspire us with the beauty of their work. The presence of a summer choir will bless the 10 am service in the sanctuary at FC South! It will be cool to see the choir loft filled this Sunday with these fantastic musicians. And the 11 am service in the sanctuary at FC North will be treated to two anthems by Director of Music, Andy Blosser! Andy, in addition to his many gifts and graces as a director, also has a beautiful tenor voice. It is always a joy when we get to hear him sing.

Since today is August 1, we're combining this week's Word from Glen and firstnews into one message. You'll find the full August issue below. Take a moment to catch up on what's happening in the life of our church, upcoming events, and important updates as we step into a new month together.

Our program staff is busily preparing and planning for the launch of our fall programming. Would you take a moment and say a prayer for our staff as they get ready for the months ahead? They all do excellent work, and I know they will appreciate your prayers.

With love for you, your pastor,

You’re Invited to Worship | Sunday, August 3

Communion will be offered at all services.

Childcare and Sunday School are available at every service.

9 am FC North, Grace Hall

10 am South, Sanctuary

11 am North, Sanctuary

Whether you're new or returning, there's a place for you here. Come with open hearts—and open hands—as we worship together.

We look forward to seeing you!

This week in Sunday school

This summer, we are reading stories from the beautiful children’s Bible, The Book of Belonging by Mariko Clark and responding using Legos. This week we will hear the story, The One who Watches and Waits, a version of the Prodigal Son story. Jesus told this story to explain what God’s love is like.

Please register your child for K-5 programs annually

Welcome to First Community’s K–5 Ministry! We look forward to a fun, meaningful year of growing in faith and friendship together.

Our K–5 ministry offers three core opportunities for your child to get involved:

• Sunday School
• Midweek Missions
• Choir
• Special Events including: Harvest Hullabaloo, Christmas Workshop, Easter Eggstravaganza, and 1.2.3…Akita!

To help us best support your child, we ask that you update their registration each year. This ensures we have current contact information and are aware of any medical or personal needs that may affect your child’s participation.

Click here to register for the 2025–2026 program year.

Curious About Membership? Join Us for Coffee with Glen

Friday, August 16 at 9:30 am | FC North

Are you new to First Community? Or maybe you’ve been attending for a while and are wondering what it means to become a member? We’d love to invite you to Coffee with Glen—a relaxed and welcoming gathering where you can meet Rev. Dr. Glen Miles, learn more about the mission and vision of First Community, and explore what it looks like to be part of our faith community.

Whether you’re ready to join or just have questions, this is a great first step.

RSVP or learn more by emailing Kristy Glaser at kglaser@FCchurch.com.

Akita Sunday, August 17

Join us on Sunday, August 17, at 11 am at First Community North for Akita Sunday, a day of worship and celebration of Camp Akita 2025!

(Only one service on this day at 11 am. No services at FC South.)

Celebrate the spirit of Camp Akita with a special worship service featuring favorite camp songs, stories from the summer, and messages from campers and counselors. Rev. Sarah Kientz will share a meaningful sermon, and we’ll debut a highlight video full of unforgettable moments from this summer. At the end of the service, there will be a Blessing of the Backpacks. Students, teachers, and school staff can bring their backpack to this worship service and receive a special blessing for the year ahead.

After worship, stick around for some Akita-style fun! Browse photos from the Camp Akita archives, enjoy games in the parking lot, and snack on some tasty treats. You'll also have a chance to reconnect with current and former counselors.

It’s a casual, fun-filled morning—so come in your favorite Camp Akita t-shirt and bring your camp spirit! We can’t wait to see you on Akita Sunday!

Starting a new school year is a big deal—for kids and grown-ups. We invite you to join us for Akita Sunday and the Blessing of the Backpacks at 11 am at First Community North on Sunday, August 17. 

Bring your backpack to this joyful worship service as we: 

• Celebrate a summer filled with fun, faith, and friendship at Camp Akita 
• Send students, teachers, and school staff off with a special blessing for the year ahead 

Whether you're heading into preschool or leading a classroom, this blessing is for you. Come be surrounded by support, and community as the new school year begins! 

Rose Konrath, Governing Board Chair

Summer Travel

Summer is often a time of travel, exploring new places, revisiting familiar and comfortable ones, and spending time with family and friends. I hope you are enjoying the summer and experiencing a slower, more relaxed time.

My family recently took a river cruise. My brother, sister, and I were able to take our parents on a lovely and relaxing voyage. We live in three different cities, and this journey gave us the chance for unhurried time together. What a blessing for a family as mature as ours. (My Dad turned 91 this spring; my age and that of my mother are highly classified.)

We enjoyed the river each day and saw many beautiful sights, experiencing kindness along the way. Such as the young man who ran after me at the unfamiliar airport, reached me while breathing hard, and handed me my cell phone that I dropped (crisis averted).

We appreciated the attentive service of the waitstaff and those who kept our rooms fresh. One young and particularly excellent waiter told us that he always follows his father's advice: "Be yourself, work hard, and be kind." I am grateful for the excellent service and advice.

Wishing you all a good summer, safe travels, and peace.

Governing Board (GB) Summer Schedule / Next Meeting Date

As a reminder, our next Governing Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 7 PM at First Community North, Room 102. We did not have a formal meeting in July. The Governing Board is continuing its work during this time. If there is something you would like to ask, recommend, or discuss during this time, please don't hesitate to reach out to me, and we can schedule a meeting. 

July 13 Reception

Governing Board members provided cake for the July 13 reception to celebrate the recent wedding of Rev. Mary Kate Buchanan and Dr. Sam Nelson. Hope you were able to attend this joyous celebration.

I was away during this time and unable to attend. Past GB Chair April Howe and GB Vice-Chair Jennifer Short handled the cake cutting and serving for the event. Thanks to both.

Looking Ahead

Upcoming Governing Board activities include:

• Finance – financial review
• Staff Appreciation
• Foundation Board Liaison
• Personnel Committee – development of enhanced FC onboarding process
• Darkness to Light Training - GB members who are not already certified will complete either in-person training on August 19 or an online version of the training. This training is focused on creating and maintaining safe environments for children.

Closing Thought:

Fluent by John O'Donohue:

I would love to live

Like a river flows,

Carried by the surprise

Of its own unfolding.

Until next month,

Rose Konrath, Governing Board Chair

(614)620-7406 konrathrose@gmail.com

Help Shape the Future of First Community

Each year, we invite you to be part of the important process of selecting strong, faithful leaders for our church. Now through September 1, you are encouraged to nominate members to serve on the Governing Board or the Board of Deacons.

Nomination forms are available in several convenient formats:

• Pick up a paper form at the Reception Desks or Narthex at First Community North or South
• Download a printable PDF HERE
• Submit your nomination online HERE

Completed forms may be returned to Shelly Sagraves at ssagraves@FCchurch.com or mailed to:

First Community

Attn: Shelly Sagraves

1320 Cambridge Blvd.

Columbus, OH 43212

Your voice matters—help us identify and uplift the next generation of leaders at First Community.

First Community Foundation Update

Rev. Seth Stearns, Director First Community Foundation

There was over $36,000.00 in grants awarded in July. Some of these grants included:

1.    An emergency grant to replace the furnace and A/C unit in the kitchen at Akita

a.    Fund #53011 - Rand, Beth, Paul, John Endowment Fund

b.    Fund #53111 – Anne Powell Riley Akita Maintenance Fund

c.     Fund #54012 – Kent Brandt Fund

2.    A grant to pay for the tuning of the organ at North

a.     Fund #54445 – Glen Tamplin North Sanctuary Pipe Organ Maintenance Fund

3.    A grant to support Worship & Arts for the remainder of 2025

a.    Fund #54115 – Lee Rinker Memorial Endowment

b.    Fund #51132 – Ronald J. Jenkins/Ruth and Dick McNeal Endowment for Friends of Music

c.     Fund #54122 – Polly and Frank Kennard Charitable Fund

We are immensely grateful for the families and their Foundation funds that continue to support First Community!

Did you know that you can establish a named Foundation Fund that can be designed to continue to help support the operations of First Community far into the future following your passing? We are so fortunate to have had some members of our church community think very creatively as they established Foundation Funds that would continue to support the church by maintaining their annual pledge after they passed. This is a wonderfully thoughtful, generous, and important gift for the future of First Community. If you would be interested in exploring this idea further, please contact Rev. Seth Stearns.

Be sure to remember the Foundation in your estate planning, will, obituary, and 401(k) benefits. Planned giving is a wonderful way to support those ministries of First Community that you feel most passionate about for decades to come. Not only are your planned gifts vitally important in the support of the ministries of First Community, but there may also be tax advantages available to you now and/or to your loved ones in the disposition of your estate.  

Remember that you can participate in the important work of First Community Foundation in support of the ministries of First Community through a gift of any size. You can make a gift to an existing fund or establish a new named fund. Speak with your financial advisor to see how your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) might be leveraged to add impact to your charitable giving.

First Community Foundation was established in 1961 to support the future of First Community Church’s programs and ministries. The Foundation is supported by immediate and/or planned gifts from those with a focus on the future of First Community and leaving a family legacy. The Foundation provides full assurance that donors' wishes for their legacy gift will be honored and benefit the church. 

The impact areas supported by the First Community Foundation include: 

•  Camp Akita 
• Facilities, landscape, and maintenance 
• First Community Village 
• Missions 
• Worship & Arts 
• Youth Programs 

Please contact Rev. Seth Stearns, Director of First Community Foundation, to explore your planned giving options. Seth can be reached by email at sstearns@FCchurch.com or by phone at (614) 488-0681.

TC Brown Returns with a Spotlight on

Rev. John Girard

Guest contributor TC Brown is back this month with another engaging clergy spotlight—this time featuring Rev. John Girard. With his journalistic eye and gift for storytelling, TC offers a meaningful glimpse into the experiences and insights that shape Rev. Girard’s ministry.

If you missed last month’s column, TC is spending the next few months helping us get to know our clergy in new and thoughtful ways. We’re grateful for his voice in firstnews and look forward to more stories that deepen our connection as a community.

You won’t want to miss this month’s piece—it’s a good one.

by TC Brown, Guest Contributor

Rev. John Girard: From Hearse Driver to Healing Presence

Most Christians know the parable of the lost sheep—but the Rev. John Girard has lived it firsthand, with a rather memorable twist.

In 1995, Girard was a rookie hearse driver, assigned to a funeral procession for a retired fire chief. Nervous and unfamiliar with the cemetery’s location, he was instructed simply to follow the 12 “big red” firetrucks leading the way.

At an intersection, the fire engine directly in front of him made a turn. Girard followed. Moments later, he realized the rest of the trucks had gone straight.

“I was in a huge panic,” he recalls. “What now?”

His boss, driving behind him, waved frantically. Girard pulled into a crowded bank parking lot—and, naturally, the 80 cars behind him followed. “Lost sheep,” indeed. Fortunately, he did manage to find the cemetery.

Now Executive Minister and Minister of Mission and Justice at First Community, Girard’s road to ministry has been anything but ordinary. He grew up on a small farm in Granville, Ohio, studied business and music at Hanover College in Indiana, and was pointed—repeatedly—toward a career in mortuary science.

Despite being “freaked out,” he earned his degree at the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science and became a licensed funeral director. He worked in both Cincinnati and Columbus.

“I felt called to some of that compassionate work,” he says. “Sometimes I overstepped and wanted to talk to families about what comes after death.”

He eventually recognized that he was “in the right boat, but in the wrong water.”

Girard felt a call to ministry—but, as a gay man, he wrestled with doubts and feelings of unworthiness. “Even though I could feel God tugging at my heart,” he says, “I didn’t believe it was possible.”

It was the wise counsel of a pastor that helped him understand he was indeed on the right path. When he first visited Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Chicago, he heard a voice in his head say, “You’re home.”

Girard was licensed for pastoral ministry in 2005 and ordained in 2011. Before coming to First Community, he served in several United Methodist congregations, including Peace United, Liberty United, Worthington UMC, Broad Street UMC, and Lewis Center UMC.

At First Community, many have witnessed a signature moment in his invitations to giving: Girard makes a point, pauses, and slowly scans the congregation as he says, “And you… and you… and you.”

It’s not for show.

“It’s important to me to make sure people know God sees them and includes them—no matter what,” he says. “It just comes to me.”

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



• Heart to Heart is collecting school supplies for 200 students. Included are details on the items needed and how to donate to support k-12 students at one of their Pop-Up Pantry sites.
• The Refugee Ministry continues to provide support to families in Central Ohio despite losses to funding for programs that serve this population.
• In their monthly update, the Share & Learn Garden invites you to cut flowers at FC North.
• On August 19, Darkness to Light training will be held in lieu of a standard Mission & Community Justice Meeting. Registration for the class is required.
• Learn more about the Monday Night Meals ministry as the Women’s Guild plans to honor its founder and host representatives from Friends of the Homeless, at their upcoming Potluck and Installation.
• Save-the-Date for a Suicide Prevention event in September hosted by the Gun Violence Prevention Team.
• HOPE, one of Heart to Heart’s Pop-Up Pantry sites extends an invitation to a fun and inspiring event.
• Registration is open for a one-time meal packing event hosted by Lifeline Christian Mission.

School Supply Drive Launches This Sunday!

Help us equip 200 students entering grades K–12 with the tools they need for a strong start to the school year. Our annual School Supply Drive kicks off this Sunday, July 27, and runs through Sunday, August 10.

You can make a difference by filling a standard-size, durable backpack with the following new supplies:

• 24 ct. Dixon Ticonderoga #2 yellow pre-sharpened pencils
• 24 ct. Crayola Crayons
• 12 ct. Crayola Washable Wide Markers
• 4-count black dry erase markers
• 4 ct. Elmer’s Glue Sticks
• 1 pair Fiskars blunt tip scissors
• 2 composition notebooks or 2 spiral wide-ruled notebooks
• 2 plastic two-pocket folders (no 3-ring binders, please)
• Standard backpack appropriate for grades K–12

Bonus Tip: Take advantage of Ohio’s Sales Tax Holiday from August 1–14 to purchase supplies tax-free!

Drop off your filled backpacks in the marked bins outside worship spaces at both locations. There are also drop off bins at FC North, Rose Wing entrance, and FC South, Coat Room.

Let’s come together to bless our community’s students with the gift of a great start!

Minute for Mission

by Rick Greene, Missions Grants Team Member

The Three Rs

“The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” Genesis 2:15 ESV

First Community’s Environmental Justice team is one of a few of the distinct Community Justice ministry teams, each with their own distinct goals. On of the team’s goals is to provide education about environmental issues in the Church and the community. In the past, participants have visited SWACO’s Franklin County Landfill and the Rumpke facilities. Soon, the team will offer the opportunity to visit the Rumpke Resource & Recycling Center in Columbus—a new facility that is the largest and most technically advanced recycling facility in North America. Rumpke supplies recycling to manufacturers within a 250-mile radius of Columbus and 80% of its materials go to Ohio companies. As the Environmental Justice team looks for more opportunities, like an ongoing battery recycling project, the church has several initiatives focused on recycling and the environment. Plus, many other Mission and Justice teams are involved in Reuse-Reduce-Recycle activities!

Read more about how the Trading Post, Refugee Ministry, Mat Makers, and other groups participate in efforts that benefit the environment in this month's On A Mission!

Click on each image for more information or to register.

Your Safari Awaits! 

Lions and rhinos and giraffes — in Ohio? Yes, indeed! 

Join the Older Adult Ministry on Tuesday, September 23, for a special day trip to The Wilds, a breathtaking 10,000-acre safari park and conservation center in southeastern Ohio. This is not your typical zoo visit — you’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 adventure is perfect for nature lovers, animal enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a refreshing day of awe and connection. The safari tour is fully guided and accessible, with opportunities to learn about rare and endangered species and the amazing conservation work being done right here in Ohio. 

We will meet at First Community North at 9:45 am and leave at 10 am sharp. From there you can either take the bus or drive separately. The bus will arrive back to North by 5 pm. 

This safari experience is free of charge, including bus trip, lunch, and the safari tour.  

Space is limited, so reserve your seat soon! Registration deadline is Tuesday, September 2.  

We hope you’ll join us for a day of wonder, wildlife, and warm fellowship. 

For more information or to register, click here or the graphic, or contact Jane Torbica at jtorbica@FCchurch.com or (614) 488-0681, ext. 235. 

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

SAVE THE DATES

Join us after worship at the 9am and 11am services on Sunday, August 24 for Lemonade Sunday, a relaxed and welcoming opportunity to meet some of the wonderful women from the Women’s Guild. Learn more about the various Guild groups and enjoy home-baked cookies and refreshing lemonade. Come connect, ask questions, and discover how you might get involved. All women are welcome! 

Summer is finally here (maybe a little too much summer!) and rapidly moving along! To inaugurate the beginning of the Women’s Guild Program Year, the All Women’s Potluck & Installation Celebration will be held on Wednesday, August 27, from 5:30 to 7:30 in Wing Grace Hall at FC North, 3777 Dublin Rd. 

All women are encouraged to attend, whether you belong to a Guild group or not.  It is a great opportunity to meet and visit with other women in the church, old friends and new, find out more about the Women’s Guild, and just enjoy the break in routine and delicious potluck food!  

Each year a community charitable organization is chosen to be the recipient of donations from the participants at the dinner. This year’s recipient is the Friends of the Homeless Men’s Shelter and was chosen as a tribute to Carol Baker who passed away this year on April 24.  First Community has been providing “Monday Meals” to the men of the shelter continuously since 1983 (rain or shine, pandemic or holidays) and for close to 40 of those years the program was organized and coordinated by Carol, who was wholeheartedly committed to this worthwhile outreach mission.   

We will be joined at the dinner by Christina Bournique, Director of Homeless Services at the Southeast Mental Health Center, and by Mathias Kendricks, onsite Manager of Friends of the Homeless.  They will briefly share information about the shelter program in Columbus. 

Below is a list of some of the donation suggestions requested for the men at the shelter: 

• Bedding: Twin Sheets, Blankets, Pillows 
• Bath Towels, Washcloths  
• Shoes for Showering (like waterproof thongs) 
• Hygiene Supplies: Soap, Shampoo, Shaving Supplies, Deodorant, Dental Care Products  
• New Underwear (Briefs and Boxers), Socks 
• Laundry Detergent 

So, bring your favorite potluck dish, your donations, and join us for an enjoyable evening on August 27.  Register here, click the graphic, or contact Jane Torbica via email at jtorbica@FCchurch or by calling (614) 488-0681, ext. 235. 

Mark your calendars for the 2025 Women’s Retreat, a day to celebrate strength, joy, and community held in honor of the International Day of the Girl. This global observance, officially proclaimed in 2016 by President Obama, promotes the meaningful participation of girls in decisions that affect their lives and affirms their full and equal enjoyment of human rights.

Our retreat will feature Rev. Mary Kate Buchanan and Rev. Sarah Kientz as keynote speakers and guides. Music will be led by Ami Peacock, who many will fondly remember as the delightful surprise soloist from our 2024 Akita retreat. The day will include thoughtful, interactive presentations, prayer and song, time to connect with friends, space for quiet reflection, and of course, delicious food throughout.

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

The retreat will take place on Saturday, October 11, from 10am – 3pm . The cost is $25 for adults and $10 for children 9 years and up, with confidential scholarships available.

Registration is due by Friday, September 26, and space is limited so register early! Click here, on the graphic, or contact Jane Torbica at jtorbica@FCchurch.com or (614) 488-0681 ext 235.

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

by Julie Richards, Director of K-5 Ministry

1.2.3…Akita! is a fun summer program offered by the K–5 team with strong support from our administrative staff and the Camp Akita team. Designed for children entering first, second, and third grades, campers spend two mornings in Columbus participating in activities focused on the culture of a country where First Community has a mission connection. On the third day, the group travels by bus to Camp Akita for a full day of fun. 

This year, our 100 campers focused on India. We prepared food (red lentil dal and cabbage salad), made art (rangoli), practiced yoga, and played indoor games (Parcheesi and Snakes and Ladders) as well as outdoor games (badminton and cricket). Our day at camp included swimming in the lake, playing near-field games, drawing Indian hopscotch (Ikri Dukri) on the basketball court, and making a peacock craft in the craft cabin. 

The K–5 team would like to extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who helped make 1.2.3…Akita! such a success. This fun-filled program could not have happened without the support of many wonderful volunteers—45 in total. Twenty-six high schoolers served as counselors, working with the campers all three days. Seventeen adults led our ten activity areas, and two middle schoolers served as activity helpers. Including campers and volunteers, participants ranged in age from 5 to 87. 

Sign-ups for 1.2.3…Akita! take place during Camp Akita registration. Next year, we will focus on the culture of the Dominican Republic. 

Celebrating the Marriage of

Rev. Mary Kate Buchanan and Dr. Sam Nelson

On a joyful Sunday, our congregation gathered to celebrate the marriage of our beloved Pastor Mary Kate Buchanan and her new husband, Dr. Sam Nelson. The celebration was a heartfelt opportunity for the church community to express their love, blessings, and support for the newlyweds as they begin this new chapter together.

The Weist Room was transformed into a festive and welcoming space thanks to the magnificent decorating talents of Scott Van Hooser, who filled the room with joyful splashes of pink and thoughtful details that made the event feel truly special.

Delicious cakes, generously provided and served by members of the Governing Board of First Community, were enjoyed by all as much laughter and joyful hugs filled the air. The celebration was a wedding gift from the church staff, offered in gratitude for Pastor Mary Kate’s faithful leadership and with prayers for the couple’s life together to be filled with joy, grace, and mutual support.

Guests were invited to share their wisdom, encouragement, and well-wishes by writing messages on paper leaves, which were then added to a special “wishing tree” — a beautiful touch from Camp Akita that symbolized growth, community, and rootedness in love.

Another meaningful touch came as members tied knots and signed a book for a wedding quilt created by the Prayers and Squares ministry. This tangible symbol of the congregation’s love was wrapped in prayer, with each knot representing a prayer for Mary Kate and Sam’s life together.

During the celebration, a video slideshow also played, offering a glimpse into the couple’s journey, from their early years to their present life together.

We give thanks for the gift of love made visible in their union, and we wish the new Mr. and Mrs. every blessing in the days ahead!

Pastor Mary Kate and Sam wanted to offer this message in response:

“Dear Church, Sam and I can’t thank you enough for all your love and well wishes! We have received so many cards with notes of celebration and blessings for our future together. We couldn’t possibly write a note back to all of them, so please hear our heartfelt gratitude this day! With love, Mary Kate and Sam”

Help Us Create a Word Cloud for Our Church!

As we prepare for All Together Now: The Big Kickoff, we’re inviting everyone in our church family to help create something special—a word cloud that reflects who we are and what we value as a community of faith. Please take a moment to think about what First Community means to you. Is it welcoming, inspiring, love, hope? We want to hear your words! We’ll gather all the responses into a word cloud and share it at the kickoff event as a visual celebration of our shared identity and vision.

You can submit your words here: Word Cloud

Let’s start the year strong - All Together Now!

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