Sundayfirstnews

Heart to Heart needs: Soups & Grocery Bags

614 488.0681 FCchurch.com December 8, 2013

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Advent &ChristmasSchedule

ChristmasMemorials

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By Sally Beske

It is Christmas in the Candy Cane Kingdom and you all are invited. Please enjoy our youth choir as they provide the message during worship services at North Campus today. The children will present their 18th annual Christmas musical. Youth Bell Choirs 1 and 2, along with the Kindergarten Choir, Cherub Choir, Junior Choir, Middle School Vocal Ensemble and a surprise adult actor, will help us begin our holiday season with this humorous and touching story.

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Sunday Morning Seminar at NorthStarting January 12: Why Did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and Mohammed Cross the Road? When four religious leaders walk across the road, it’s not the beginning of a joke. It’s the start of one of the most important conversations in today’s world: Christian Identity in a Multi-Faith World. So says author Brian McLaren in this excellent study.

Sundays, 9 - 9:50 amRoom 115, North CampusNew class begins Jan. 12

Sunday Morning Seminar at SouthStarting January 12: Why Did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and Mohammed Cross the Road? (See description above.)

Sundays, 9:30 - 10:45 amWicker Room, South CampusNew class begins Jan. 12

Tuesday at TenPete and Pidge Diehl lead this new class on Bishop John Shelby Spong’s 2013 book, The Fourth Gospel: Tales of a Jewish Mystic.

Tuesdays, 10 - 11:30 amWicker Room, South CampusResumes Jan. 7

Tuesday PM Great Figures of the New Testament. Led by Walter Watkins. Video lectures by Amy-Jill Levine. Each session unique.

Tuesdays, 7 - 8:15 pmRoom 128, North CampusResumes Jan. 21

Men’s Study GroupStudying the Christmas story through December. Will resume study of Romans in January.

Wednesdays, 7 - 8 amWicker Room, South Campus

Men’s Wednesday FellowshipPresentations and discussion of leading-edge topics. Ends promptly at 8 am.

Wednesdays, 7 - 8 amBrownlee Hall, South Campus

Women Living the QuestionsNew series: Brené Brown’s Daring Greatly.

Wednesdays, 9:30 - 11 amWicker Room, South Campus

Wednesday Evening Bible StudyPrayer, scriptures and action. Led by Rev. Long.

Wednesdays, 7 - 8:15 pmConference Rm, North CampusOff for Dec., Resumes Jan. 8

Contemplative Way Group 1Sacred reading, 30-minute meditation and closing reflections. Rev. David Hett facilitates.

Thursdays, 11:45 am - 1 pm Wicker Room, South CampusMeets Dec. 12, Resumes Jan. 9

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Upcoming EventsVisit FCchurch.com or email info@FCchurch.com for more information.

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Contemplative Way Group 2Reading, meditation and discussion of Merton’s New Seeds of Contemplation. Facilitated by Lisa Bueche, Spiritual Director, and Rev. David Hett.

1st/3rd Thursdays, 7 - 8 pmGuild Room, South CampusResumes Jan. 16

Saturday Contemplative Way GroupA time of sacred reading, meditation and discussion based on Mirabai Starr’s newest book, The Showing of Julian of Norwich – A New Translation. Facilitated by Rose Konrath and Vickie Murphy, Spiritual Director. Free-will offering each week.

Saturdays, 10-11:15 amBeginning January 4, 2014Spiritual Guidance Room, South Campus Annex

Spiritual Salon: A Walk with Martin LutherThe founder of Protestantism, Martin Luther, is the focus of our next “Spiritual Salon”. Church member Molly Hood, PhD, joins with another Martin Luther scholar, Rev. Mike Weaver, pastor at All Saints Lutheran Church in Worthington to bring this intimate portrait of the leader of the Protestant Reformation.

Tuesday, January 147-8:30 pmBrownlee Hall, South Campus

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For a complete list of Advent and Christmas events, see page 7.

Blood DriveThursday, December 192 - 7 pm South Campus

Help save a life by donating blood. Schedule your donation now by contacting Cara Shary at 614 459.3691 or carashary@columbus.rr.com, or visit redcrossblood.org and use out sponsor code: fcchurchsouth.

Your blood recipients thank you.

You’ve Never Seen Passion & Purpose Like ThisInsight DVD’s are available now at Furber Books & Gifts or online at FCchurch.com/insight

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Church Announcements

Visit Our WebsiteFor further information on events and programs, visit FCchurch.com. Online registration is available for many events.

firstnews MonthlyRead the latest edition of firstnews Monthly online at FCchurch.com or to receive by mail make your request at news@FCchurch.com

For registration informationgo to FCchurch.com

Become a firstnews Monthly sponsor. Visit FCchurch.com/sponsorship

We Appreciate Our Sponsors

Thomas Leo Laudick, Leo Alfred JewelersTom White, Brexton Real EstateChad Martin, K.A. MenendianFirst Community VillageLorelei M. Lanier, Attorney at LawDonald Eliot, Clinical Audiologist

Vaud-Villities Productions Under the MistletoeDecember 13 - 15Northland Performing Arts Center4411 Tamarack Blvd., ColumbusTickets $20 ($5 off promo code MISTLETOE)vvproductions.com, 614-262-SHOW

firstnews Monthly

Pledge 2014 Pledging is a vital component of First Community Church’s financial success. Our church relies on your annual promise of financial support to confidently fund the important programs and ministries that carry our message of God’s love into our community and the world. We would like to thank those of you who have pledged in 2013. If you have not yet pledged for 2014, please find a pledge card located in the Welcome Pad or at the Welcome Center.

Visit the resale shop, 10 am - 4 pm,

Monday through Saturday, Annex, lower level, South Campus

A Boutique Shopping Experience at Bargain Prices

Holiday Hours

Both North and South Campuses will close Tuesday, December 24 at noon and reopen 1 hour prior to the Christmas Eve services.

South Campus will re-open Friday, December 27 with normal business hours. North Campus remains closed through January 1.

South Campus will close Wednesday, December 31 at noon.

Please note that in order to receive tax deductions for 2013, all contributions must be postmarked or delivered in person on or before December 31.

Both Campuses resume regular hours on January 2.

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–– The Reverend Ms. Katherine H. Shaner, Minister of Mission

The Social Gospel

The views expressed in the recommended websites do not necessarily reflect the views of First Community Church.

Our reading from Isaiah for the second Sunday in Advent is a familiar one. A lion lays down with a lamb and we are told a little child shall lead us. As we watch our children in all of their innocence and light, I cannot help but reflect on the leadership and prophetic call of other young people in our country this season.

United We Dream is the largest immigrant, youth-led organization in the nation, a powerful nonpartisan network made up of 52 affiliate organizations in 25 states. United We

Dream organizes and advocates for the dignity and fair treatment of immigrant youth and families, regardless of immigration status. Their current priority is to win citizenship for the entire undocumented community and end senseless deportations and abuses.

According to their mission statement, United We Dream “seeks to address the inequities and obstacles faced by immigrant youth and believe that by empowering immigrant youth, we can advance the cause of the entire community—justice for all immigrants.” The DREAMers have a Platform for Change you can find here: unitedwedream.org/platform-for-change/ and Principles for Reform which can be found here: unitedwedream.org/principles

These children, our children, illustrate Advent for me as what Megan McKenna calls “a time of dreaming, of practicing the impossible and of believing in God’s promise of Jesus Christ, one born among us who lives in our midst for all time. Peace is possible. Living without hunger and famine is possible. Living together is possible. God’s demands are possible, but require faith and practice, dreams and working together.”

In this Advent of Advocacy, if you would like to work together in realizing the dream of immigration reform, look here: unitedwedream.org/action/stop-deportations/open-cases. Along with the DREAMers, members of the immigrant community, faith communities and multiple other national organizations have been fasting in Washington since November 12 with the organization Fast 4 Families. Lend your prayers and support to this organization here: fast4families.org

The Indian Muslim poet Muhammad Iqbal (1877-1938) said: “You created might, I made a lamp. You created day, I made the cup. You created the forest, the mountain, and the desert; I made the walk the garden and the orchard.” What shall we make? What shall we dream? What shall we re-create in imitation of our God? Maybe a time for welcoming the stranger…

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9th Annual Christmas MartThe Trading Post will hold its 9th Annual Christmas Mart (formerly the “Christmas Bazaar”). Look for our display today at South Campus.

A portion of our profits support the church and its missions. Consider doing some of your holiday shopping with us. We will be selling decorations, clothing, gift items, greeting cards, books, jewelry, toys and much more.

It is a great way to save money, help our church and others in need. We will be accepting payment by cash and credit card. If you miss us at church, visit our shop at South Campus Monday - Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm. Looking for something in particular? Call us at 614 488.6564.

Sanctuary Conversation ContinuesThe most recent in a series of Community Forums held November 11 at North Campus brought more than 100 people together to discuss Our 20/20 Vision as it relates to a proposed North Campus Sanctuary.

Artists’ renderings of the proposed North Campus Sanctuary were presented and discussed in small groups, providing a quality platform for interaction and input.

“The Community Forums are intended to be a conversation between the CPC, the Governing Board, staff and congregation,” said Paul Anderson, chair of the CPC.

“I encourage congregants to peruse the wealth of information on the website, which includes the CPC Charter and the Project Definition as approved by the Governing Board and our implementation plan, Paul said.” “Those who do not have access to the website should contact the Business Office at 614 488.0681 for hard copies.”

Input is welcomed and can be provided by talking to a member of the CPC, or utilizing our email address Vision@FCchurch.com.

A January 12 Community Forum focused on South Campus has been scheduled. Watch firstnews Monthly, firstnews Sunday and FCchurch.com for time.

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Christmas MemorialsAll who wish to make a special Christmas gift in memory of a family member or friend will have the opportunity to do so. Christmas Memorials provide for the greenery, candles, flowers and other special arrangements in our Christmas services. The church exterior decorations and the instrumentalists for the services are all made possible through these gifts. If you would like to make this gift part of your Christmas, send your check (payable to First Community Church) to 1320 Cambridge Blvd., Columbus, OH 43212, Attn: Music Dept.

Include a card listing the name of the person(s) in whose memory the gift is made. Or, submit your memorial at the Worship & Arts table after the Sunday worship services from November 24 - December 15 or online at FCchurch.com/memorials Names received by December 15 will be listed in the Christmas Eve bulletins. A full list of names will appear in firstnews Monthly after Christmas.

Advent by CandlelightWednesday, December 11, 7 pmGrace Hall, North CampusQuiet service for all generationswith prayer, story and music.

Carols for Christmas 40th Annual Christmas ConcertSunday, December 15, 4 pmGrace Hall, North CampusChancel Choir, Chamber Singers & Chamber Instrumental Ensemble. Freewill offering.

Christmas Eve Services Tuesday, December 24

North Campus4:30 pm - Candlelight ServiceDr. Richard Wing preaching.

6 pm - Candlelight ServiceDr. Richard Wing preaching.

South Campus4 pm - Children’s ServiceLed by Donice Wooster and Rev. Deborah Lindsay.

9 pm - Festival of Lessons & CarolsChancel Choir and Orchestra.Dr. Richard Wing preaching.

11 pm - Festival of Lessons & CarolsChancel Choir and Orchestra.Dr. Richard Wing preaching.

Sunday after ChristmasSunday, December 29, 11 amSanctuary, South CampusRev. Paul Baumer preaching.All children and youth welcome in worship.

Advent & ChristmasEvents

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TV Camera and Control Room The Media Team needs you! No experience necessary, just a willingness to learn and develop television broadcast skills for First Edition. If you are available on a regular basis, contact Scott Binder at sbinder@FCchurch.com

GivePlease take this opportunity to review the many ways you can provide for your church and your community. We welcome your gifts of time, talent and financial support.

Support MissionsPurchase Giant Eagle grocery gift cards or enroll in the Kroger Rewards program. Visit the Mission page at FCchurch.com for information or visit the tables after worship.

Good CallUsing the Browser

on your smartphone, go to

FCchurch.com/minute to give an offering to

First Community Church.

Join Our Usher TeamWe need a minimum of 20 ushers each week to cover all of our services. Can you help? Contact Jennifer Morrison at jennybucks1@gmail.com or Lois Zook at lzook@FCchurch.com for details.

Sunday School We have consistent lead teachers in all of our classes, but rely on parents to assist the teachers with taking attendance, helping serve snacks and providing extra hands and hearts.

For Early Childhood, contact:Paige - pschlembach@gmail.com (NC) Donice - donicew@FCchurch.com (SC)

For K-5, contact:Dawn - dcostin@FCchurch.com

Lend a Hand

Heart to HeartLooking to volunteer in a fun, caring environment? Join us at Heart to Heart.

Tuesdays: 8 - 11 am or 11 am - 1:30 pm

Wednesdays: 3 - 5 pm

Thursdays: 8 - 11 am or 11 am - 1:30 pm

Sign up at FCchurch.com/heart-to-heart-food-pantry

Tri-Village Trading PostBe a volunteer in the Receiving Room or in the Shop. Share your spare hours with the Post. Friendly faces will greet you and help you learn the work. If interested, contact Rebecca Wolfe at 330 697-6218 or rwolfe@FCchurch.com

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Akita Retreat OpportunitiesChurch members receive a discount on rentals. For individual or group retreat opportunities, visit CampAkita.org or call 740 385.3827 ext 222

ReceiveFirst Community Church provides many opportunities for learning, spiritual growth and fellowship, as well as material and spiritual assistance to those in need.

Transitions Support Group1st/3rd Tuesdays of the month, 7 pmLibrary, South CampusFor those experiencing divorce or a broken relationship. Led by Dr. Dan Davis and Vickie Jean Murphy, Spiritual Director. For more information, contact Kathy Weatherby in the Pastoral Care Office at 614 488.0681 ext 239 or kweatherby@FCchurch.com

Bridges to Healing Grief Group2nd/4th Tuesdays of the month, 7 pmWicker Room, South CampusA support group for those experiencing grief. Led by Rev. Jim Long and Dr. Dan Davis. For more information, contact Kathy Weatherby in the Pastoral Care Office at 614 488.0681 ext 239 or kweatherby@FCchurch.com

Pastoral CounselingPastoral Care is intertwined throughout all the programs and the business of the congregation as we explore life together. Contact the Pastoral Care Office at 614 488.0681 ext 239 or kweatherby@FCchurch.com

Care & PrayerAll prayers are held in confidence. Please contact Kathy in the Pastoral Care Office at 614 488.0681 ext 239 or kweatherby@FCchurch.com

Women’s GuildFor information about the Women’s Guild, please contact Estelle Scott, Chair of the Guild Membership Committee, at 614 457.1037 or emscott1037@wowway.com

Providing dignity, compassion and respect.

Choice Food Pantry open Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:30 am - 1 pm

Lamar A. Graham, Director614 488.0681 ext 203

HeartToHeart@FCchurch.com

Heart to Heart now has an Ohio Benefit Bank counselor on site

Thursdays during pantry hours.

For an appointment outside pantry hours, call 614 488.0681 ext 155

The Benefit Bank is the registered trademark of Solutions for Progress, Inc. and that TBB, OBB and The Benefit Bank logo are the trademarks and service marks of Solutions for Progress, Inc.

TM

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This Week at First Community ChurchSunday, December 8 4:00 pm Worship & Arts Placing Trees Grace Hall (NC)Monday, December 9 9:30 am Parent Growth Guild Rm. (SC) 12:00 pm Organist Rehearsal/RG Grace Hall (NC) 4:00 pm Refugee Task Force Libary (SC) 4:00 pm Organist Rehearsal/SB Grace Hall (NC) 4:30 pm Mission Council Sub-committee Rm. 111 (NC) 5:30 pm Friends of the Homeless Kitchen (SC) 6:00 pm CPC/NC Design Committee Wicker Rm. (SC) 6:00 pm Worship & Arts Decorating Trees Grace Hall (NC) 7:00 pm Adult Learning Council Guild Rm. (SC) 7:00 pm Chamber Choir Rehearsal Grace Hall (NC)Tuesday, December 10 8:30 am Heart to Heart Food Pantry (until 1 pm) Annex Rm. 103/104 (SC) 10:00 am Tuesday at Ten Wicker Rm. (SC) 4:00 pm Foundation Executive Committee Library (SC) 6:00 pm Bookstore Volunteer Gathering Rose Wing Conference Rm. (NC) 6:00 pm Whitechapel Ringers Rehearsal Rm. 111 (NC) 6:30 pm NCDC Story Telling Meeting/TS Library (SC) 7:00 pm Akita Council Off Site 7:00 pm Bridges to Healing Grief Group Wicker Rm. (SC) 7:00 pm Tuesday PM Rm. 128 (NC) 7:00 pm Chamber Choir Rehearsal Grace Hall (NC)Wednesday, December 11 7:00 am Men’s Study Group Wicker Rm. (SC) 7:00 am Men’s Wednesday Fellowship Brownlee Hall (SC) 9:30 am Women Living the Questions Wicker Rm. (SC) 4:30 pm CPC/NC Design Committee Rm. 111 (NC) 7:00 pm Advent by Candlelight Worship Service Grace Hall (NC) 7:00 pm Guild Group D Guild Rm. (SC) 8:00 pm High School Impact Rm. 128 (NC)Thursday, December 12 8:30 am Heart to Heart Food Pantry (until 1 pm) Annex Rm. 103/104 (SC) 9:30 am Prayers & Squares Quilt Ministry Annex Rm. 101/102 (SC) 11:45 am Contemplative Way Group 1 Wicker Rm. (SC) 1:00 pm Organist Rehearsal/RG Sanctuary (SC) 3:00 pm Organist Rehearsal/SB Grace Hall (NC) 5:30 pm Recital/Rehearsal Brownlee/Burkhart (SC) 6:30 pm Grandview Candlelight NA/Open Group Lincoln Rd. Chapel (SC) 7:30 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal Grace Hall (NC)Friday, December 13 11:00 am Staff Christmas Celebration (until 3 pm) South Campus ClosedSaturday, December 14 9:00 am Worship & Arts Decorating Sanctuary (SC)/Grace Hall (NC) 9:30 am Choir & Orchestra Rehearsal Grace Hall (NC)

NC = North Campus, 3777 Dublin Road = Wheelchair inaccessibleSC = South Campus, 1320 Cambridge Blvd.

NEXT SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE - December 15

8:30 am Rev. Baumer preaching (Burkhart Chapel, SC) 8:30 am Dr. Wing preaching (Grace Hall, NC) 10:00 am Dr. Wing preaching (Grace Hall, NC) 11:00 am Dr. Wing preaching (Sanctuary, SC)

For further information on events, check the Welcome Center, firstnews Monthly, FCchurch.com, info@FCchurch.com or call 614 488.0681

THE 40TH ANNUAL CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Carols for Christmaspresented by

THE FIRST COMMUNITY CHURCH Chancel Choir, Chamber Singers

and Chamber Instrumental Ensemble

Ronald Jenkins, conductor

Robert Griffith, organist

Sunday, December 15, 4 pmGrace Hall, North Campus

Stephen T. Main’s WONDER TIDINGS

(A contemporary setting of six English Carols for chorus and instruments)

~Also included on the program with audience carol singing~

13th century plainsong ............................ Of the Father’s Heart Begotten

Robert Lucas Pearsall .........................................................In Dulci Jubilo

Paul Manz ............................................. E’en So Lord Jesus, Quickly Come

Elizabeth Poston .............................................. Jesus Christ the Apple Tree

Stephen Paulus ........................................................................... Hallelu!

John Gardner ....................................Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day

Stephen Paulus .............................................. O Little Town of Bethlehem

Howard Helvey........................................Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella

Bob Chilcott ............................................................ The Shepherd’s Carol

Regney and Shayne ........................................Do You Hear What I Hear?

Randall Hester, flute Gene Standley, horn Stephen Secan, oboe Jeanne Norton, harp Luis Biava, violoncello Chris Slagle, percussion

Philip Shipley, tympaniSally Beske and Suzanne Newcomb, piano

A freewill offering will be received