An Open and Affirming, Just Peace, Green Justice, Global Mission Congregation

No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here!

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Thank you to Harold Slocum for filling in for Tom Bandy on Sunday!

First Church, Its Mission, and Its Ministry

First Church Trivia Contest

A drawback with Trivia Contests is that they imply a sense of “certainty” and confidence that the setter knows the “correct answer." 

I thought that a simple question asking how many rows of pews were in the center section of the meeting house before 1928 would have a simple answer. Here are three:

1. If you look at the photograph I hinted at in the Archives and try to count the rows shown, I’m pretty sure you come up with 16. I’d appreciate it if one of our members with younger eyes would go up to the Archives and either confirm or deny this.
2. If you look at the numbers on the remaining pews, you will see that the center right pews are numbered 30, 28 … This strongly suggests that there were 15 rows at the time the numbers were assigned.
3. If you talk to members who remember the 2020 renovations, there was at the time consideration given to removing up to 3 rows to make space for that stage at the front where the piano sits. In the event, there is a blueprint in the archives that makes it clear that only 1 row was removed in 2020. Together with the pew (donated back to the church I believe by Kristen Peterson) removed in 1928, this would also suggest that 15 is the “correct” answer to Trivia Contest #3.

So, three winners this week:  

Anne Conway who saw 14 rows in the 1928 photo; Karla Sanderson who, like me, thought there were 16, and Pete Richards who thought of looking at the numbers on the sides of the pews. 

All three receive the prize of a bucket of ammunition to shoot from the cannons at Hillcrest Orchard this Sunday. 

Please feel free to contact me with any more information related to the number of pews; I have a feeling this trivia question is far from settled.

Trivia Contest #4: There is a pew on the main floor of the church buildings that is not in the meeting house itself.

a. Where is it?

b. What number(s) do you see on the sides?

c. What is different about this one that distinguishes it from all the other pews on this floor?

Text your answers to 703-945-8916 with your name by noon on Tuesday October 20.

Apple Picking

Apple picking this Sunday October 18 at Hillcrest Orchards. Meet at 1:00pm in church parking lot

Folk and Bluegrass Song Circle

NOT ON FOURTH WEDNESDAY THIS MONTH, returns on October 20, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Folk, Bluegrass, and Gospel music in the Fellowship Hall.

Come prepared to play, sing, or just enjoy.

All ages and skill levels are welcome.

Myths and Hymns - Adult Education Slide Show

Following worship on Sunday, October 11, Director, Quinn Renbarger-Miller (‘27) and Assistant Professor of Theater Juliana Frey-Méndez provided some background on this Oberlin College Theater production that will be presented in the Meeting House November 11th -15th. To view the slide show from their presentation, follow this link.

To RSVP for a performance, scan this QR Code or follow this link.

FALL HARVEST SUPPER

Wednesday, October 21 @ 5:45 PM

Skip cooking tonight and join us for a delicious taste of autumn!

What’s Cooking: Roast Pork & Savory Vegetarian; Squash & Sweet Potato Casseroles; Fresh Vegetable; Quick Breads; Homemade Applesauce & Freshly Baked Pies.

You don't need to cook anything this month—everything is provided. Just bring yourself and enjoy! If you can come early (at 5:00pm) to help set up or stay late to clean up, please indicate when you sign up for the supper.  

2026 Stewardship Campaign: Rooted in Faith, Growing in Generosity; Sowing Seeds of Hope

Mission is how faith moves from words into action, guiding us to serve others generously with love and compassion. As people rooted in faith, we are called not only to believe, but to respond. Mission invites us to look beyond ourselves, notice the needs around us, and offer our time, gifts, and presence in ways that reflect God’s love.

Through mission, our church becomes part of something larger than ourselves. Whether we are repairing homes, feeding neighbors, supporting community partners, caring for one another, or praying for those in need, each act of service becomes a visible expression of faith. These moments remind us that generosity is not simply about what we give, but about how we live.



This week, as we reflect on mission, may we be open to the ways God is calling us to serve. When we offer ourselves with open hearts, we help sow seeds of hope in our church, our community, and the world.

Are You Interested in Learning More About Joining First Church?

Please join us for an informal Inquirer’s Gathering in the JFO Room following the worship service on November 1st. 

Wherever you are on your faith journey, your questions are welcome, and conversation is invited.

ALL are invited!

We look forward to seeing you!

The church will receive new members on November 15th.

Monthly Communion at Kendal

Beginning in November, Pastor Hill will be offering a monthly communion service at Kendal at Oberlin. Each service will begin with a time of informal conversation followed by a brief celebration of the Lord's Supper. Services will be held the first Tuesday of the month, at 1pm, in the Whittier Lounge, starting on November 3. If you have any questions, please contact the Pastor directly.

The Ministry of Hospitality 

Being able to host the After-worship Coffee Clatch is something to be proud of, for sure. It is a ministry that allows those in the congregation who want to spend time together after worship to be present with one another while, enjoying juice, coffee or water, store-bought cookies or homemade ones. If everyone volunteered... this delightful after worship time would be a time we could all count on and enjoy.

There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the hall into Fellowship Hall. Please sign up a couple of times over the course of a year.

Offerings can be as simple as juice or water. Cookies are nice but optional. The Fellowship Committee provides essentials like compostable plates, napkins, and cups, half and half, sugar, and juice. We keep some Gluten free cookies in the freezer, to be used during this time, as needed. If you feel like doing something more special, have at it. But, all offerings are much appreciated.

There are very clear written instructions in the kitchen and there’s no way you can make a mistake! We promise!

If you want assistance, or have a question, speak with any member of Fellowship Committee and one of us can assist you. We are Denise Capers, Rhys Price Jones, Alana Kelley, Anne McCormick, Karla Sanderson and Lori Taylor. 

Looking for occasional substitute helpers with our youngest children

We have wonderful staff who teach and care for our children during every church service. On occasion, one of those workers needs to be absent, especially in the summer months. To make sure we always have coverage, we are looking to build a pool of church members who can be called upon to help. If you can be part of this pool, please talk to Sarah Colson or email her at noramomma@yahoo.com.

Donation Needs

Oberlin Community Services is in need of food and diapers (size 4 - 7) for their food pantry. Please consider donating shelf-stable meals, ingredients, or fresh produce from your gardens. Thank you for your support!

No Meeting on Tuesday, October 20th.

The Wider Community

Rev. David T. Hill, Pastor

If you are searching for ways to become more fully engaged in the life of the church, please contact Rev. David T. Hill by calling the church office at (440) 775-1711 or by sending an email to the church office.

Songs and music reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-711734. All rights reserved.