firstnews614 488.0681 FCchurch.com May 1 - 31, 2014 Vol. 60 No. 5

Monthly

New Members

Page 13

Shrimp Boil

Page 2 Page 6

Standing for Children

“No matter how tired you get, no matter how many

problems you’ve had, you feel so good for the good that you’ve done. It’s a warm feeling.”

— Biddie Clark, Garage Sale Volunteer

(Continued, Page 2)

Garage Sale Chaos Yields To Caring, Compassion By Michael Barber

Nineteen years ago, a simple suggestion to help fund missions work with a small garage sale contained within Grace Hall seemed like a good idea. Today, this idea has become the very definition of church, while raising more than $500,000 for causes in central Ohio and around the world.

Coordinator Beth Hanson was with the Mission Council Garage Sale since the beginning. The genesis of this effort was a need to fund missions, which had previously relied on a limited annual church contribution.

“The church decided mission money would no longer come out of the operating budget,” Beth said. “We had to figure out some fundraising techniques.”

This independence eventually led to substantial growth of the Mission Council, allowing the group to raise more money, doing more good.

The first sale in 1995 earned more than $7,000.

At the time, many of the volunteers were concerned that a second annual attempt would be less successful,

assuming the congregation would have emptied their homes of unwanted items the year before.

Last year, the sale earned more than $52,000.

“It’s expanded beyond the church,” Beth said. “Our base of donors is now huge.”

Weeks before the 19th annual sale, Beth and a dozen of the more than 300 volunteers gathered to chat about the event’s history and their connection to it.

All agree that the sale exists in spite of itself. Battles for sales turf, pricing structure and the ability to keep calm with customers during stressful times often push volunteers to the edge.“This sale is fraught with frustration and yet we’re still here,” Beth said.

“We’re here because we failed a basic IQ test,” joked Dick Meyer who volunteers with his wife, Carol.

Biddie Clark justified her participation. “No matter how tired you get, no matter how many problems you’ve had, you feel so good for the good that you’ve done,” she said. “It’s a warm feeling.”

Biddie became emotional while describing a family who came to the sale after losing their home to a fire. “We gave them everything they needed to start housekeeping again. I’ll never forget.”

Cathy Klamar, whose “turf” was earned in linens because she knew how to fold a fitted sheet, has experienced customer showdowns in the past. “There was a lady I had sort of a confrontation with over price,” she said. “She would come back every year. She started talking to me about her husband who was very ill. The next year I learned that he had died. Even though it was difficult in the beginning, we have formed a relationship and I look forward to seeing her every year.”

Carol Baker works in children’s clothes and understands the importance of presentation. “Sometimes, people leave

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their things stored for way too long,” she said. “We all take them home and wash, iron and display them. We want curb appeal!”

The sale is not without its lighter moments. Ron Bright recalls telling Beth that an entire room would have to be emptied to accommodate some roofing contractors. “She thought I was serious,” he said.

Carol Meyer remembers a woman who donated a wedding gown. “Her friends asked her how she could sell her wedding gown,” she said. “The woman took it back. Well, it must have been a tough week because the wedding gown came back to us and we sold it for a cheap price.”

Regardless of the item, volunteers respect the gift and the circumstances that lead to its donation.

“While moving furniture from the home of a man who was recently deceased, I remember taking something out of the closet,” Beth said. “He had written on a piece of wood each year beginning in the 1930s. One of the years it said “old age setting in.” It feels sacred, so personal. You feel invested in how the things are treated when they get where they’re going. We have to turn this into something good.”

Beth’s sister, Cathy Hanson, considers the Garage Sale an extension of the overall ministry of the church.

“I’ve had people comment to me that they go to First Community Church because it’s a mission church,” Cathy said. “Somebody working at the garage sale said, ‘This is what church is. The community and working for others. This is church.”

It’s been suggested that Beth write a how-to book explaining the finer points of a successful garage sale. “It depends on the nature of the volunteers,” she said. “It’s hard to think about putting it in a book with a formula. How do you describe just getting along? It seems like magic. None of us really understand how it works, but somehow it has.”

The 19th Annual Mission Council Garage Sale takes place Friday, May 16, 6:30 pm - 9 pm (prices doubled) and Saturday, May 17, 8 am - 3 pm at North Campus.

Sale On(Continued from Page 1)

The Shrimp Are Coming! By Karyl Hanhilammi

July 25 will be the date of the ever-popular Shrimp Boil. This dinner, featuring delicious shrimp and all the trimmings, will benefit the Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi.

You will also be treated to entertainment by What the Heck Four, a fantastic barbershop quartet featuring our own Rev. Paul Baumer.

This event is often sold out, so plan to buy your tickets beginning June 29. More details will be available soon.

Loretta and Dave Heigle serve during a recent Shrimp Boil.

May 1 - 31, 2014 3

–– The Reverend Dr. Richard A. Wing, Senior Minister

Soundings

Dr. Wing is preparing the following sermons:

May 4: Third Sunday of EasterTHE RETURN

May 11: Fourth Sunday of EasterI DON'T NEED A THING

May 18: Fifth Sunday of EasterWHEN THE WOOD IS GREEN

May 25: Sixth Sunday of EasterONE MORE THING BEFORE I GO

Looking Ahead

Kindness

Kindness feels like a soft weak word. Far from it. Kindness is not niceness, or weakness, or cheesy. Kindness is not greeting card sentiment. It has substance.

— Eugene Peterson

The late Roger Ebert said, “Kindness covers all of my political beliefs. No need to spell them out. I believe that if, at the end, according to

our abilities, we have done something to make others a little happier, and something to make ourselves a little happier, that is about the best we can do. To make others less happy is a crime. To make ourselves unhappy is where all crime starts. We must try to contribute joy to the world. That is true no matter what our problems, our health, our circumstances. We must try. I didn’t always know this and am happy I lived long enough to find it out.”

The Dalai Lama was asked what his religion was. He replied, “My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.”

When I was a child, our church burnt down. Hardly a thing was rescued from it. The only thing we were able to take from the old wooden framed church and put on a concrete wall was a marble plaque which read: “Be kind, one to another.”

Philo of Alexandria said long ago, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.”

Peace to your path,

From Words, Action By Tracy Hoag

Over a year ago, I heard Dr. Wing talk about the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship in a sermon. He discussed the graduate students who were committing themselves to year-long, mentored service projects designed to address vulnerable populations in the Columbus area.

As a Masters of Nursing student who works with vulnerable populations for a living, I thought he just might be talking to me.

The seed was planted.

Many months later, again in a sermon, Dr. Wing mentioned that a First Community Church group was starting to visit people who were approaching the end of their lives at Franklin Medical Center, a medical center for those serving time in prison, many of whom did not have visitors.

As a hospice nurse, I’m accustomed to meeting people at this stage of their life, but I had never been in a prison before. Somehow I just knew that I could do it. So I joined the Ministry of Presence, and I started going to the prison every other week.

The Ministry of Presence does many things with the inmates: singing, crocheting, playing cards. Vickie Murphy and I read stories with the inmates who are elderly or too ill to function in usual prison life. We laugh and talk and are just kind to each other. It is meaningful in the simplest way.

Through our involvement, we learned of the administration’s efforts to improve the palliative care program in the prison medical center. They expressed a desire to expand compassion and healing for aging inmates not just in their final days, but across the continuum. It became clear to me that I had my project. With the help of the administrative staff of the prison and my advisor at Capital University, I developed a proposal for the Albert Schweitzer Foundation and was awarded a Fellowship for this coming year.

The hope is to expand what the prison is already trying to do by identifying the needs of aging inmates earlier and providing holistic interventions to address those needs. I will be partnering with the staff at Franklin Medical Center and my faculty mentor to develop programs and coordinate volunteer efforts to promote healing for the inmates and their internal and external families.

I know that I have a lot to learn. I know that I’m going to need patience and prayers. I also know that I’m supposed to be doing this and Dr. Wing now knows that at least one person is listening to his sermons.

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Foundation GiftsIn Memory of: Jane Davis Miriam Clark Kay Graf Preston and Margaret Garvin Terry and Barb Davis Jim and Clare Long Tomi SpykerNancy Masters Dave and Charlotte Search Bill and Patty Mielke Heather Kelly John Brooks Decker Bill and Diana Arthur Fairfield National Bank Rob Van Evra and Rita Romine Pete and Suzie EdwardsRand Kampmeier Susan Brooks Mollie Gail Smith Guild Group Q In Honor of: Heart to Heart Doug and Darian TorranceFirst Community Foundation Joe Ray Herb and Jeanne Johnston

Church Gifts Worship TechnologiesIn Honor of:Matt McCandlish Donnalynn and Christian Laver

Heart to HeartMark & Carol AllaireCrystal AllenDwayne & TammiChristine BakerCathy Boggs UtgardMarjorie BohlDA BramlettMerideth BrownMary BuchsiebBob BurnsKevin & Elizabeth CarpenterBiddie ClarkRichard ConnollyPatrick & Hope CooperThomas DavisMatthew & Allison DeeNancy DellHelen DennehyJohn & Ernestine DilorenzoPat DonovanSusan K & Thomas RSue Dunlap Potts & Thomas PottsMichael & Jane EndresRichard & Peggy FordPhilip FultonDavid & Gloria GardnerRon GardnerHoward & Virginia GauthierBrian Gillespie & Scott McLaughlinMelissa GordonTR GrossNancy HeathCharles Dana HendricksonJoseph HeremansTheodore & Diane HobsonMolly HoodPaul & Melissa ImhoffRichard & Donna IreneHerbert N & Jeanne JohnstonDenny & Ellen KaercherAnn KayserDavid & Glenna KinardMary Ann KraussRobert & Deborah LentzBrian & Mary LoeHoward & Ellen LoweryJ Eric & Kari MackenbachBill & Debbie MarshJanet McCutcheonRichard MillisorGilbert MorrisMary MunsellSteve & Rachel MushrushJames NicklausMary OlsonBetty O’NeillRich & Joanne Ottum

Foundation Corner

— Lauri Speight Sullivan, Director of First Community Foundation

60FIRS

T CO

MMUNITY FOUNDATION

Diamond Anniversary

*

(Continued, Page 5)

Whatjamajig?

Any new job is, by nature, going to expose you to new things. Mine is no exception. Recently, the Foundation was asked to pay for an annunciator for the 1320 building. Now, I know the oratory skills of our preachers are amazing, so why an annunciator? So we could hear Dr. Wing better? And more importantly, why a Foundation grant?

An annunciator is a high-tech fire alarm system which alerts the fire department in the event of an emergency as to where specifically the fire is in the building. This one was to be placed on the

main floor of the 1320 building. This came at the request of the Grandview Fire Department who recognized the current fire panel located deep in the basement, in an area called “the well,” could ultimately be a hazard to both visitors to the building and the firefighters.

Additionally, this is an area where cell phones don’t work. You might question the need of an annunciator, but trust me this building has more nooks and crannies than an English muffin. There are stairs that lead to doors that are locked. There is a basement that could easily be classified as a catacomb and there are small children in our preschool. So the Foundation Board agreed this could be a useful item.

By most standards it was inexpensive ($2,000) but it was an “extra”, and an excellent example of what the Foundation does routinely for the congregation. Pam Jameson, Director of Facilities Ministry, has a budget for normal, anticipated repairs; the current fire panel was not really broken, just installed in an unsafe area of the building. Her choice to approach the Foundation made sense since, as a non-profit, the Foundation adheres to generally-accepted non-profit principles and is obligated to spend about 5% of our earnings annually. This was just one of several projects in 2013 that the Foundation reviewed, determined the best fund to use honoring donor instructions and released the money for use.

Our spending in total was $335,197. I can’t help thinking that the folks who started the Foundation in 1954 are smiling knowing their idea of endowment for First Community Church is such a force. All ministries have received some Foundation support over the years and most annually. Foundation Sunday on May 4 is a time to reflect on the accomplishments and impact. Please take a minute to look at The Acorn, the Foundation’s annual newsletter, located in this issue of firstnews Monthly.

Personally, I hope the annunciator is never used, but I am thankful it is there protecting the building and everyone who uses it. I am also thankful the Foundation is there to help make our facilities as exceptional as our worship services.

May 1 - 31, 2014 5

–– The Reverend Mr. Paul E. Baumer, Minister to the Staff

Peter & Diana PemaRita PiermanWilliam & Frances PlylerThomas & Susan PowellQuarterly Magazine ConceptsJoseph & Jeanne ReedDick & Kitty RohrerTacy SatterthwaiteRobin & Janice SchmidtMargaret SchorrAnne ShelineJack & Patricia ShuterDebra StephensTracy StuckJonathan & Jackie ThackerayStephen & Susan TrendyRobert TurnerLoren & Cheryl Van DeusenAngela Van FossenCarolyn WarmoltsRick & Patty WeisheimerMarilyn WenrickJackie WoodPaul & Susan Younger

In Memory of:Putnam S. Pierman, Sr. Robin & Lorren Negrin James & Kristi George The Tom & Arlene Alexander family Jack Wallace & Shirley Lersch Loren & Cheryl VanDeusenDr. Diana Laver Bowman Christian & Donnalynn Laver

Rafiki In Honor of:Dr. Richard Wing J. Thomas and Kathleen Jones

Mexico Mission Trip 2014 Amy and Doug BodinIn Celebration of:Sherry Barger Paula Russell Emily Orsini Heidi & Kevin OrsiniIn Honor of:Sarah KientzTim Carlson Pam & Wayne Carlson In Memory of:Rev. Richard Scanland Adam & Christopher Miller Paul Knies Joan Knies Mary Virginia Ambrose Lori Smith Jeff Rieck, KIA April 2012 Sharryn and Graham Webb

Friends of AkitaIn Celebration of:Camp Akita Carol Baker Matthew HershaCamp Akita Campers Jean CrawfordIn Honor of:Scott, Kelsey & Ella Walker Lynne OlsonIn Memory of:John Decker Ruth Gingrich & Susan MillerNahara Mau Llora Beth Le Fevre

Friends of MusicIn Celebration of:Dick Wing Ann WilliamsIn Honor of:Ronald Jenkins & William Davis J. Thomas & Kathleen JonesIn Memory of:Dr. Diana Laver Bowman

Early Childhood Scholarship FundIn Honor of:Sharon Chidester Donice Wooster

Church Gifts

The UCC

One of my intentions is to use this column to chat with you now and then about one of the denominations to which First Community Church relates. And “relates” is the correct word, not “belongs.” I do this because most of our denominational participation takes place with the United Church of Christ. Unfortunately, or not, many of us are unaware of this vital relationship which helps extend our mission outreach and offers helpful resources and education.

The United Church of Christ is a congregational polity denomination and one of the most forward-looking Christian denominations. Our predecessors were the first to send missionaries overseas, although they were new at it and didn’t do the job as well as we do now. Just ask native Hawaiians. Be that as it may, our predecessors were also the first to ordain women clergy and the first to ordain out of the closet homosexuals.

So here we go. But let me start and close this first chapter in our denominational journey together with the preamble to our denomination’s constitution, not always dry reading:

The United Church of Christ acknowledge as its sole Head, Jesus Christ, Son of God and Savior. It acknowledges as kindred in Christ all who share this confession. It looks to the Word of God in scriptures, and to the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, to prosper its creative and redemptive work in the world. It claims as its own the faith of the historic church expressed in the ancient creeds and reclaimed in the basic insights of the Protestant Reformers. It affirms the responsibility of the Church in each generation to make this faith its own in reality of worship, in honesty of thought and expression, and in purity of heart before God. In accordance with the teaching of our Lord and the practice prevailing among evangelical Christians, it recognizes two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion.

Or, as we say in today’s theological shorthand, we believe that God is still speaking.

On We Go

Community Forums June 4, 8Community Forums are scheduled for June 4, 7 pm, North Campus and June 8, 11:15 am, South Campus.

The Capital Projects Committee will be providing updates on all Capital Projects, focusing on details related to the South Campus and Camp Akita Master Plans.

Watch FCchurch.com and Firstnews-Extra.com for details.

6 May 1 - 31, 2014

Take Heart

–– The Reverend Ms. Deborah Lindsay, Minister of Spiritual Care

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Go to FCchurch.com, click on firstnews.

Glad and Sad…Mother’s Day Edition

In last month’s column, I wrote about the difficulty we have when we experience a mix of emotions, the confusion in feeling mad and sad and glad all at the same time. We know how to celebrate; we know how to grieve, but we don’t know how to do them both at the same time. Sometimes we even feel guilty when we “should be happy,” but we’re experiencing feelings of grief and loss. By the way, “should” might as well be a four-letter word, if you ask me. There is no “should” about human emotion; you feel what you feel.

Mother’s Day is a primary example. I’ll use my own life to illustrate: the birth of my son, William, was the best thing that has ever happened to me. The death of my mother, when I was 13, was the worst thing that ever happened to me, and on Mother’s Day my feelings about both get all stirred up. Mostly, I am happy to celebrate the joys and rewards of being William’s mom, but the sadness about losing my own mother at a young age is heavy on my spirit as well.

Mother’s Day is complicated for so many of us, for so many reasons. For the woman who is unable to have children, for the mother whose child is sick or has died, for the same-gender couples who are prevented from experiencing the full benefits of parenting children, for people whose mother has died, or whose mother was unable to be a loving, capable parent, or people whose relationship with their mother is broken…for all these reasons, Mother’s Day brings grief along with the celebration.

I encourage you to respect and hold all of these feelings gently. Don’t brush them away or pretend they don’t exist. Acknowledge the emotions you experience and know God blesses them. (Even – especially – if what you’re feeling is anger at or disappointment in God.)

Whatever your life story, Mother’s Day can be meaningful. For example, you might participate in Standing Women. At 1 pm on Mother’s Day, May 11, men and women of all ages will gather around the globe to stand in silence as a witness for peace. At First Community, Standing Women will be held at the outdoor labyrinth at our North Campus location. The five minutes of silence will begin and end with bells; you are invited to pray for peace or simply stand quietly in community. Of course, being at the church is not a requirement; you can stand wherever you are at 1:00 that day.

On Mother’s Day we can each celebrate that we are the product of an eternally creative Creator, and One that is continually re-creating to make all things new.

Blessings,

Standing for Children, Mother’s DaySunday, May 11, 1 pmOutdoor Labyrinth, North Campus

on May 11, in many locations around the world, women and men will stand for five minutes in silence, holding a vision of the world they envision for future generations. The silence will begin and end with the ringing of a bell.

Please arrive in time to be standing in place when the bell rings at 1 pm to begin the silence. If you are unable to stand for five minutes, you are welcome to bring a lawn chair.

You can check the website standingwomen.net for other locations around Columbus and the world and for the story of how this began.

Mother’s Day Peace PrayerTogether let us invoke the unconditional power and commitment from all the mothers, grandmothers, aunties, and all women circling the earth, to awaken the global heart. By lifting our voices in a chorus of peace, we will move forward to influence humanity, for a more caring, just, tolerant and peaceful world. Let it be so.

Printed with gratitude to: weareenough.org

May 1 - 31, 2014 7

Vocal RecitalRyan Jenkins is completing his third year of study in Voice Performance at The Ohio State University. He has recently been cast in Interharmonyʼs production of LʼIncoronazione di Poppea in several supporting roles.

This production will take place in Sulzbach-Rosenberg, Germany at the end of this summer.

To help off-set the cost of this trip, Ryan has put a recital together with

works from Gershwin, Quilter and more. This recital will also feature Matt Ebright (piano), Dr. C. Andrew Blosser (tenor) and Kelsey Christlieb (Mezzo).

The recital will take place at North Campus, Sunday, May 4, 6 pm.

Second-Hand Goods, First-Rate Service By Rebecca Wolfe

Garden SuppliesMay inspires us to get into our gardens and get everything ready for the blooms of summer. Tri-Village Trading Post has a variety of planters and other accessories for your garden. We also have beautiful vases for the fresh cut flowers that are sure to come!

With our low prices you can pick up a pretty container to have on hand for a nice surprise for a neighbor or friend.

Name Brands for LessChico’s, Talbot’s, Coldwater Creek – these are just a few of the brands that are flying off our racks this spring. Shopping at these stores, you know what it costs to update your wardrobe. Come see us at the Trading Post and see how you can get up-to-date styles at a real bargain.

Get SocialTrading Post is now on Facebook. We want to keep people up-to-date on our constantly changing store. It’s not the old Trading Post of your grandma’s days when opened in 1953. We are light and bright, clean and organized and we want everyone to know. Please “like” us!

Personal Shoppers Did you know that Tri-Village Trading Post has personal shoppers? Harriett Brown will tell you that we do. Harriett has trouble shopping for herself, finding that just-right fit and colors that go together well. Does that sound familiar?

On a recent visit to Trading Post, Harriett was greeted by our wonderful ladies and treated to personalized service finding an outfit that brought smiles to everyone’s faces.

Harriett was especially exuberant, exclaiming, “Today, I felt like I could really see.” The ladies at the Trading Post were her eyes and through them she was made to feel special, for Harriett is legally blind.

One of our regular shoppers calls our clerks her “fashionistas” as they always give advice on what will work well together. Several of our volunteers have had experience in retail and are excellent resources. This particular young woman always comes in looking great and proudly exclaims, “Well, I bought it here!” and then of course proceeds to tell how little she paid for it.

Dressing lovely doesn’t have to cost a lot if you have an eye for what goes together and what works well for you.

Women’s Guild By Jill Eliot

Put on your Sunday clothes for the Women’s Guild Spring Event, “Fashion Fling.” The luncheon will be held at Brookside Country Club on May 10, 11:30 am - 2 pm featuring the Grand Salad and Pasta Buffet. Tickets are $28 with free valet parking.

The deadline is May 6 for ticket purchases. Checks can be made out to the FCC Women’s Guild. All women are invited to come and share in the afternoon.

The program will feature a fashion show and boutique from the Tri-Village Trading Post. Spirits will surge with joy while watching the 15 models dressed to the nines.

Modeled clothing and boutique items may be purchased with cash or checks only. Ladies are requested to bring bundled, white plastic hangers as a gift for use in the Trading Post.

The Spring Event committee members are: Katherine (Kie) Seiple (chairperson), Susan Brooks, Biddie Clark, Jill Eliot, Ann Eliot-Naille, Jinny Frick, Ruth Gonser, Rose Kandel, Merci Katz, Patsy Poe, Estelle Scott and Rebecca Wolfe, Director of the Trading Post.

So, get out your feathers, your patent leathers Your beads and buckles and bows

— Lyrics by Jerry Herman from Hello Dolly!

Ryan Jenkins

8 May 1 - 31, 2014

Care and Spirit

– – The Reverend Mr. James M. Long, Minister of Pastoral Care

Parish RegisterWe share the joys and sorrows of our church family in our prayers.

HOSPITALIZATIONSJoan BetzDon EliotFrank KennardBill RessMary Thomas Sherri WhetzelJulie WilkinsonPaul Younger

ADOPTIONHarrison Grant Fox 12/2013 Son of Julie & Roger Fox

BAPTISMSHunter Bradley Herrold 3/16/2014 Son of Lyndsay & Brad HerroldMarc Scantland Littleton 3/16/2014 Son of Susan & Rob LittletonViolet Katie Dowell 4/13/2014 Granddaughter of Deke & Dan Kidwell

WEDDINGSCaroline Schleappi & Matt Gatsch 3/21/2014Allison Fontana & Gabriel Tomlin 3/29/2014 Daughter of Linda & David FontanaLori Lueth & Teddy Damron 4/12/2014

DEATHSJohn Decker 3/15/2014 Uncle of Dan DavisLad Jelen 3/20/2014 Father of Tom JelenElizabeth Weirick 3/23/2014 Mother of Scott HieattJack Supman 3/24/2014 Father of Scott SupmanWib Justi 3/27/2014 Uncle of Joan TalmageDennis Brown 3/30/2014 Brother of Marcia EarlyWilliam Wentz 4/4/2014 Father of Amy WentzAmy Sutton 4/6/2014 Wife of Paul SuttonWilliam Rhoades 4/7/2014 Husband of Janet RhoadesRandolph Balch 4/8/2014 Husband of Jacintha BalchJulie McNamee 4/12/2014 Sister of Steve Crawford

The Spiritual Disciplines

One of the real joys about being at our church is the wonderful music we experience in worship, memorial services and other programs. We are blessed every week by Ron Jenkins, our Minister of Music and Liturgy, and our organists, Bob Griffith and Sally Beske. However, I have learned that the music we so enjoy does not come easy. Indeed, if there is one thing all our musicians share, it is an incredible work ethic and discipline.

Discipline can seem like “bad news.” However, it is necessary to learn anything meaningful, such as

a different language or playing an instrument. It also is important in the spiritual life. Many years ago, I encountered Celebration of Discipline (Harper and Row, New York, N.Y., 1978) by Richard Foster, which has since been issued in a second edition. Foster asserts that spiritual disciplines are a “path to spiritual growth.” In a sense they “open the door” to a relationship with God.

Foster identifies the following disciplines: The Inward Disciplines - Meditation, Prayer, Fasting and Study; The Outward Disciplines - Simplicity, Solitude, Submission and Service; The Corporate Disciplines - Confession, Worship, Guidance and Celebration.

He says that God’s grace is unearned, but we can engage in practices that make us more available, open, alert, awake, and aware of God’s presence and guidance in our lives. Foster calls this “the way of disciplined grace.” “If we expect to grow, we must take up a consciously chosen course of action involving both individual and group life and that is the purpose of the Spiritual Disciplines.” (p. 7.)

A “discipline” is a method or approach whereby one is trained by instruction or exercise. It is an orderly or regular pattern of behavior. We often “practice” a discipline, whether it is an art form, language, sport, etc. It requires consistent and rigorous application, repetition, perseverance, and faithfulness.

He asserts that one need not be well advanced in theology to practice the classic spiritual disciplines. “The Disciplines allow us to place ourselves before God so that he can transform us.” (p. 6.) Inner transformation is not gained through human will and determination. It is God’s work.

Indeed, Foster calls it “the way of death” if we turn the spiritual disciplines into laws, rules, or requirements. If we make the spiritual disciplines explicit commands or laws, they can be used to manipulate, control, and imprison people, which we should not do. And we can never control, manipulate or imprison God.

Gifts, aptitudes, and personality types will influence which disciplines come more naturally to people. For example, more extroverted and action oriented people may find certain types of service easier than prayer and meditation. More introverted and contemplative people may find prayer and meditation easier than certain types of service. Not everyone finds reading and study to be easy. However, like any discipline, we simply need to start.

Begin with those disciplines to which you seem called or for which you have a gift or aptitude. However, do not rule out those disciplines that are more difficult for you. As you practice, the more difficult disciplines may be the very ones that you need. And the good news is that God is with you.

Peace and blessings,

May 1 - 31, 2014 9

May Daily ReadingsThese Bible readings are from the Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings. In general, readings on Thursday, Friday and Saturday are selected to prepare for the Sunday reading; readings on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are selected to reflect the Sunday lectionary.

1 Isaiah 25:1-5 1 Peter 1: 8b-12 2 Isaiah 26:1-4 1 Peter 1:13-16 3 Isaiah 25:6-9 Luke 14:12-14 4 (Sunday) Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 Acts 2:14a, 36-41 1 Peter 1:17-23 Luke 24:13-35 5 Genesis 18:1-14 1 Peter 1:23-25 6 Proverbs 8:32-9:6 1 Peter 2:1-3 7 Exodus 24:1-11 John 21:1-14 8 Exodus 2:15b-25 1 Peter 2:9-12 9 Exodus 3:16-22; 4:18-20 1 Peter 2:13-17 10 Ezekiel 34:1-16 Luke 15:1-7 11 (Sunday) Psalm 23 Acts 2:42-47 1 Peter 2:19-25 John 10:1-10 12 Ezekiel 34:17-23 1 Peter 5:1-5 13 Ezekiel 34:23-31 Hebrews 13:20-21 14 Jeremiah 23:1-8 Matthew 20:17-28 15 Genesis 12:1-3 Acts 6:8-15 16 Exodus 3:1-12 Acts 7:1-16 17 Jeremiah 26:20-24 John 8:48-59 18 (Sunday) Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 Acts 7:55-60 1 Peter 2:2-10 John 14:1-14 19 Exodus 13:17-22 Acts 7:17-40 20 Proverbs 3:5-12 Acts 7:44-56 21 Proverbs 3:13-18 John 8:31-38 22 Genesis 6:5-22 Acts 27:1-12 23 Genesis 7:1-24 Acts 27:13-38 24 Genesis 8:13-19 John 14:27-29 25 (Sunday) Psalm 66:8-20 Acts 17:22-31 1 Peter 3:13-22 John 14:15-21 26 Genesis 9:8-17 Acts 27:39-44 27 Deuteronomy 5:22-33 1 Peter 3:8-12 28 Deuteronomy 31:1-13 John 16:16-24 29 (Ascension Day) Psalm 47 Acts 1:1-11 Ephesians 1:15-23 Luke 24:44-53 30 2 Kings 2:1-12 Ephesians 2:1-7 31 2 Kings 2:13-15 John 8:21-30

Special Offering Provides Housing Solutions By Ryan Miller

The special offering for Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio will be held on May 11. First Community Church has a long-standing tradition of supporting the important work of this ministry in our community.

Since 1987, FCC has helped build 22 Habitat homes through volunteer labor and financial sponsorships through the Northwest Coalition. The 2013 Habitat home located at 1320 E. 15th Ave. was sponsored by the Northwest Coalition and built in partnership with Charisse Jackson and her two sons.

The opportunity to offer more families hope and a brighter future has never been greater. Your help will provide a solution of safe and affordable housing. The staff and volunteers of Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio are most grateful for your generous contributions to help provide housing solutions for so many families in Columbus and around the world.

Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio brings people together to inspire hope, build homes, empower families and develop communities. Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio believes everyone is entitled to a decent, safe, affordable and energy-efficient home.

Heart to Heart Food Pantry TotalsFor March 2014:

Households served .........................234Individuals served ...........................678 Children served ...........................244 Adults served ...............................355 Seniors served ...............................79Meals provided ............................6,102

Heart to Heart offers a helping hand and caring heart in times of need.

Year-to-Date:

Households served .........................737Individuals served ........................2,022 Children served ...........................688 Adults served ............................1,085 Seniors served .............................249Meals provided ..........................18,198

10 May 1 - 31, 2014

The Infinite Quest

– – The Reverend Mr. David S. Hett, Minister of Religious Life and Learning

A Thousand Ways to Kiss the Earth

i thank You God for most this amazing day:for the leaping greenly spirits of trees

and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything which is natural which is infinite which is yes

--e.e. cummings

Alan Watts cajoled moderns for calling ourselves “materialists,” noting that most of us take no real interest in matter except for how it can be used for our own quick pleasures or profit.

With modernism, spirit was removed from matter, and in a way, everything became inanimate. The sacred, luminous world died. Protestant religion, a phenomenon of the modern era, bought into that worldview, disregarding, rejecting and often even condemning the spiritual nature of matter despite the fact, as Rumi said, “There are a thousand ways to kneel and kiss the earth.”

But I was reminded in a lecture the other day that the “Word” was not made “body;” the Word was made “flesh.” And, said theologian J. Kameron Carter, that includes the “flesh” of all matter, of plants and animals, of trees and rocks and hills.

Philosopher Maurice Merleau-Ponty developed this idea of the collective “Flesh” toward the end of his life, as ecological philosopher David Abrams points out in The Spell of the Sensuous. Merleau-Ponty spoke of “the flesh of the world,” and his idea of human participation in the world, says Abrams,

calls attention to the obvious but easily overlooked fact that my hand is able to touch things only because my hand is itself a touchable thing, and thus is entirely a part of the tactile world that it explores. … To touch the coarse skin of a tree is thus, at the same time, to experience one’s own tactility, to feel oneself touched by the tree. And to see the world is also, at the same time, to experience oneself as visible, to feel oneself seen. … We can perceive things at all only because we ourselves are entirely a part of the sensible world that we perceive! We might as well say that we are organs of this world, flesh of its flesh, and that the world is perceiving itself through us.

In that spirit, Hamilton College professor S. Brent Plate has written A History of Religion in 5 ½ Objects. Five of the objects are stones, incense, drums, crosses and bread. The final half of these five and a half objects, as a reviewer notes, is “the seeking, incomplete human body.” Subtitled Bringing the Spiritual to Its Senses, Dr. Plate says of his thesis, “If we’ve all got the senses, then we’ve all got access to the sacred. We taste the bread, we smell the incense; you don’t have to have an advanced degree to know what that smells like…So don’t feel bad about having an experience involving stained glass windows; that’s not a trivial thing.”

Thank goodness that Spring comes alive with sacredness, and humans with any sense-itivity at all seem to know it, as the poets always do, like e.e. cummings in the epigraph above, or the way Jeff Poniewaz discovers the sacred as he’s Watering the Garden:

The Bird Sang Me. Beyond Word.Trills and runs beyond notation.

…emerald hummingbird come to hover holyghostly in the rainbows of my hose-spray.

Shalom,

Summer Spiritual GrowthCoffee With Clergy & OthersJoin us Sunday mornings at South Campus, June 8 - 29, 8:45-9:45 am (prior to the 10 am Worship Service) for informal gatherings with our clergy and other “persons of interest,” beginning June 8 with our weekend Spiritual Searcher, Mirabai Starr.

Mind & Spirit SeriesAn evening series in June featuring dialogues between psychological-spiritual teacher A.H. Almaas and interpersonal neurobiologist Daniel Siegel, with discussion facilitated by Rev. David Hett.

Introduction to the Hebrew BibleAdult Education Coordinator Walter Watkins presents his next summer course, a July evening series focusing on the books and message of our Old Testament, the Hebrew Bible.

Contemplative Way GroupsThe Thursday noontime and Saturday morning Contemplative Way Groups continue through the summer months. New participants are always welcome for this time of sacred reading of mystic teachers, group silent meditation, and reflection. Refer to the Weekly Adult Learning Groups page for more details.

Watch FCchurch.com/adult-learning and the June firstnews Monthly for more details, or contact Rev. David Hett at hettds@FCchurch.com or Walter Watkins at wwatkins@FCchurch.com

May 1 - 31, 2014 11

Weekly Adult Learning GroupsClasses are free except where noted and open to the public. Books used for classes are available in the church bookstore. For more information on books, registration or financial aid, contact Natalia at njones@FCchurch.com or call 614 488.0681 ext. 113.

For more details on specific classes, go to FCchurch.com, search: Adult Learning.

Sunday Morning Seminar at NorthCultural Literacy for Religion: 30 minute video lectures by Professor Mark Berkson of Hamline University. April 27 - Catholic and Orthodox Christianity; May 4 - Jains, Sikhs and Bahais; May 11- “Chasing Ice” environmental documentary with an eye toward understanding what the Genesis idea of ‘dominion’ might mean, and whether that’s different from stewardship. Facilitated by Walter Watkins, Adult Education Coordinator.

Sundays, 9 – 9:50amRoom 115, North Campus(Last class – May 11)

Sunday Morning Seminar at SouthCultural Literacy for Religion: Everything the Well-Educated Person Should Know. Facilitated by Mike Elliott and members of the Adult Learning Council. Coffee with Clergy & Others will begin June 8.

Sundays, 9:30 – 10:45amWicker Room, South Campus(Last class – May 11)Meets June 8 -29, 8:45 - 9:45 am

Tuesday at TenEmbracing Spiritual Awakening with Diana Butler Bass. This 5-week DVD discussion series with one of our past Spiritual Searchers teaching on the Dynamics of Experiential Faith concludes the program year for this group.

Tuesdays, 10 – 11:30 amWicker Room, South Campus(Last class – May 27)

Tuesday PMOn God’s Side - May 6 - “Chasing Ice” environmental documentary with an eye toward understanding what the Genesis idea of ‘dominion’ might mean, and whether that’s different from stewardship; May 13 – Group brainstorming on topics for next year. Last session until September.

Tuesdays, 7 – 8:15 pmRoom 125, North Campus(Last class – May 13)

Men’s Study GroupMen are welcome to join our current study: Pauls’ letter to the Romans. Contact Price Finley at 614 488.7978 or pfinley@bricker.com, or Craig Sturtz at 614 481.9060 or craig.sturtz@squiresanders.com

Wednesdays, 7 – 8 amWicker Room, South Campus

Wednesday Morning FellowshipPresentations and discussion of leading-edge topics. Ends promptly at 8 am.

Wednesdays, 7 – 8 amBrownlee Hall, South Campus

Women Living the QuestionsThis on-going woman’s group will continue reading for discussion A New Earth, by Eckhart Tolle. Composed of progressive, theologically-open women who are engaged in the full range of spiritual exploration, Women Living the Questions might be the answer to those looking for a smaller faith community within the church. Contact Linda Baldeck at lkrbaldeck@yahoo.com or 614 459.0722.

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

Wednesday Evening Bible StudyA time to study scripture and pray. Led by Rev. Jim Long. Open to all.

Wednesdays, 7 – 8:15 pmConference Room, North Campus(Last class – June 4)

Contemplative Way GroupA time of sacred reading, meditation and discussion. 11:45 am Sacred Reading: Teresa of Avila’s Interior Castle; 12:15 pm Group Silent Meditation; 12:45 pm Comments & Reflections. You are welcome to join in just for the 30-minute meditation time. Free-will offering supports Psychological-Spiritual Fund. New participants welcome.

Thursdays, 11:45 am – 1 pmWicker Room, South Campus

Saturday Morning Contemplative Way GroupOur newest opportunity for spiritual practice: sacred reading, meditation and discussion based on Mirabai Starr’s newest book, a translation of The Showing of Julian of Norwich. Facilitated by Rose Konrath, Spiritual Searcher committee, and Vickie Murphy, Spiritual Director. Free-will offering. New participants welcome.

Saturdays, 10 – 11:15 amSpiritual Guidance Room, South Campus Annex2nd Saturday: Heart to Heart Community Room, Annex

12 May 1 - 31, 2014

Registration Form

Child’s Name ____________________________________________________________ Gender __________ Birthdate __________________

Currently enrolled in First Community Church Preschool? Yes No

Parent(s) Name(s)________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address___________________________________________________________________________________________ Zip _________________

Primary Phone ___________________ Cell phone for parent ___________________ Email ________________________________________

To register, return this form with $100 deposit or full $225 tuition to: Early Childhood Office, First Community Church, 1320 Cambridge Blvd., Columbus 43212If you choose to pay the deposit, the remainder will be due June 3.

Preschool Summer Session:

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays Four Weeks: June 3 - June 26, 9 am - 12 pm

Cost: $225 per child for the session

Open to children age 4 or 5 by September 30, 2014

Summer session includes lots of playground time, including water play! Weather permitting, children wear swimsuits under their clothes and bring a towel for getting-wet fun! Some classroom activities move out-of-doors, like art activities and the sensory table. The day includes both indoor and outdoor play, stories and singing.

Come Join the Fun!

614 488.0681 FCchurch.com

May Spiritual SalonBiblical Hero DeborahDeborah’s Daughters: Gender Politics and Biblical Interpretation

Dr. Joy Schroeder Professor of Church History, Trinity Lutheran Seminary

Thursday, May 227 – 8:30 pmBrownlee Hall, South Campus

Dr. Schroeder’s fascinating Deborah’s Daughters is the story of how Jews and Christians have read the narrative of Deborah (Judges 4-5)—prophet, judge, poet, and war leader—for the last 2,000 years, and how they applied the story to the women of their day.

Open to the public. Free-will offering taken at the door to support Spiritual Salon programs.

More information available at FCchurch/adultlearning or by calling 614 488.0681, ext 113.

Subscribe to your favorite church interests.

FCchurch.com/mychurch

June Spiritual Searcher Mirabai Starr

Author, translator of the mystics and leading voice in the emerging Interspiritual Movement, Mirabai Starr uses fresh, lyrical language to help make timeless wisdom accessible to a contemporary circle of seekers.

God of Love: A Guide to the Heart of Judaism, Christianity and Islam

Friday, June 6 • 7 - 8:30 pmOne Love: The Interspiritual QuestAn exploration of the interconnected wisdom at the heart of all religious and spiritual traditions. Discover the unifying teachings and experience the heart-opening practices that carry us beyond the intellectual understanding of humanity’s many spiritual paths to the place where we are transformed by the love at their common core.

Saturday, June 7 • 9 am - 3:30 pmBees in the Garden An Experiential Workshop in Cultivating Interspiritual NatureIn this day-long gathering, we will follow the sweet streams of mystical longing and social justice through the readings from the ecstatic poetry of the mystics, investigating the sacred texts of the world’s greatest religions, sitting in contemplative silence, chanting the names of God in an array of languages, and engaging in deep dialog through conversation and writing.

Presented by the Center for Spiritual Search. Reduced registration fees are available through May 5. More information and registration available at FCchurch.com/starr or at 614 488.0681 ext. 113.

May 1 - 31, 2014 13

Heather Adams Andrew DiBlasi Jennifer DiBlasi Kevin Kearney Eileen Martin Carole Myser

Angie McLarty Seamon Lee Swad Lindsey Swad

Welcome New Members Joined on Sunday, May 4, 2014

Heather Bioty Adams, an occupational therapist with OhioHealth, grew up in Columbus. Husband, Chris Adams, and mother-in-law, Corlene Adams, are members. Chris and Heather were married at First Community Church. Heather appreciates the worship experience and music. She looks forward to being a part of the church family.

Andrew DiBlasi and Jennifer graduated from Upper Arlington and are the parents of Kyleigh and Christian (9 mos). They attend the 11 am service at South Campus and join for the infant programs and all that this faith community offers. Andy is in real estate development with DRK Village Communities. He enjoys playing golf and softball.

Jennifer Crawford DiBlasi grew up attending FCC and Camp Akita. Jennifer is a television host with the Home Shopping Network, frequently traveling to Tampa, FL to tape. She has lived throughout the U.S. and in London. Jennifer and Andy enjoy spending time with extended family and traveling.

Kevin Kearney, father of Jonah, Sara, Bailey and Katie (ages 5-12), attends the North Campus 10 am worship service. He has traveled to Guatemala, Canada and the Czech Republic and volunteered for Children’s International Summer Villages. Troy, OH is his hometown and hiking, politics and repairing electronics are just some of Kevin’s interests.

Eileen Martin, who has lived in Spokane, WA and California, joins First Community with partner, Carole Myser. Eileen is a computer analyst at Nationwide and enjoys running, biking, gardening, cooking and golf. She and Carole look forward to serving others and have already helped with Monday Night Meals.

Carole Myser, originally from Canton, is a Transmission Settlement Manager at AEP and enjoys tennis, golf and traveling to Palm Springs where she and Eileen have a second home. They heard about FCC from member Cat Oehl and attend the North Campus 8:30 am worship service.

Angie McLarty Seamon is a mother to daughters, Cynthia, 9 and Rose, 7. She joins for the worship, music and adult and children’s programs. Angie began attending services at North Campus after learning about our church from neighbors Carole Myser and Eileen Martin. Angie enjoys the beach, reading and painting.

Lee Swad is the nephew of longtime members Ned and Marti Timmons and has been visiting the church for many years. He is an attorney with WilmerHale and joins for the inclusive theology and infant programs. He and Lindsay worship at the South Campus 11 am service. Lindsey Swad is originally from Irvine, CA. Lindsay and Lee are the parents of Audrey, 3 and Gavin, 3 months. A stay-at-home mom who enjoys reading and cross-stitch, Lindsey looks forward to getting involved in the church and serving others.

If you are interested in becoming a member of First Community or would like to learn more about our church, please contact Paula Russell, Director of Member and Visitor Services at 614 488.0681 ext 228 or prussell@FCchurch.com.

Our next Membership Seminar will be Saturday, June 14. If this date does not work for you and you are ready to become a member, please let us know.

14 May 1 - 31, 2014

A Month of Sundays

A indicates Usher assignments.

8:30 am • Burkhart Chapel, SC - Rev. Baumer preaching8:30 am • Grace Hall, NC - Dr. Wing preaching10 am • Grace Hall, NC - Dr. Wing preaching Chancel Chamber Choir, Junior Choir11 am • Sanctuary, SC - Dr. Wing preaching Chancel Choir

8:30 am • Burkhart Chapel, SC - Rev. Long preaching8:30 am • Grace Hall, NC - Dr. Wing preaching Whitechapel Ringers10 am • Grace Hall, NC - Dr. Wing preaching Chancel Chamber Choir, Whitechapel Ringers11 am • Sanctuary, SC - Dr. Wing preaching Chancel Choir, Kindergarten & Cherub Choirs

ALL SERVICES AT SOUTH CAMPUS:

8:30 am • Burkhart Chapel, SC - Rev. Long preaching Chancel Choir11 am • Sanctuary, SC - Dr. Wing preaching Chancel Choir

8:30 am • Burkhart Chapel, SC - Rev. Lindsay preaching8:30 am • Grace Hall, NC - Dr. Wing preaching10 am • Grace Hall, NC - Dr. Wing preaching Chancel Chamber Choir11 am • Sanctuary, SC - Dr. Wing preaching Chancel Choir

Check the website for the most up-to-date information. For additional information:

Click: FCchurch.com Email: info@FCchurch.com Call: 614 488.0681 Visit: The Welcome Center at North or South Campus

C

A

B

C

BLOCK OF WOOD/COMMUNION

4

11

18

25

MEMBERSHIP/FOUNDATION SUNDAY

BAPTISMS & MOTHER'S DAY

7,000 Eggs, A Bunny and One Crazy Dance By Julie Richards

Thanks to everyone who participated in our church Easter Egg Hunt. We had a beautiful, windy day and everyone seemed to have a great time.

Ninety children hunted for 7,000 eggs, participated in a cookie-walk and “danced for candy,” an Akita favorite, led by Sam Donovan and Nick Graves.

The Easter Bunny made an appearance and posed for pictures with the children.

A very special thank you to Allison Kingsley, who chaired the event and donated all of the Easter Eggs.

She put together a wonderful committee consisting of Betsy McCollum, Kari Rucker, Sarah Jonaus and Katy Brown. The committee helped plan, prepare for and run the Egg Hunt.

High school students Emily Orsini, Katie Schoedinger, Mikayla McVey and Sarah Richards helped out on the day of the event.

Thanks to all of you for your support-we couldn’t have done it without you!

May 1 - 31, 2014 15

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firstnewsFirst Community Church1320 Cambridge BoulevardColumbus, OH 43212

Dated Material : Do Not Delay

Periodical PostagePAIDat Columbus, Ohio

First Community Church

South Campus North Campus1320 Cambridge Boulevard 3777 Dublin RoadColumbus, OH 43212 Columbus, OH 43221614 488.0681 614 488.0681FAX 488.2763 FAX 777.4098

FCchurch.com info@FCchurch.com

No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.

,THE PROGRAM STAFF OF FIRST COMMUNITY CHURCH Richard A. Wing, Senior Minister; Paul E. Baumer, Minister to the Staff; David S. Hett, Minister of Religious Life and Learning; Ronald J. Jenkins, Minister of Music and Liturgy; Deborah Countiss Lindsay, Minister of Spiritual Care; James M. Long, Minister of Pastoral Care; Katherine H. Shaner, Minister of Mission; Michael Barber, Director of Marketing and Communications, Sally R. Beske, Assistant Organist/Director of Youth Choirs; Tim Carlson, Director of Camp Akita Ministries and Youth Programming; Dawn J. Costin, Director of K-12 Ministry; Cynthia Harsany, Director of Finance and Operations; Pam Jameson, Director of Facilities Ministry; Scot Nicoll, Executive Director of Camp Akita; Missy Obergefell, Director of Older Adult Ministry; Paula L. Russell, Director of Member and Visitor Services; Lauri Speight Sullivan, Director of First Community Foundation, M. Donice Wooster, Director of Early Childhood Ministry.

Affiliated with The United Church of Christ and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

News articles and photos for firstnews Monthly must be submitted to news@FCchurch.com by the 15th of each month. Direct questions to Editor Michael Barber at mbarber@FCchurch.com

firstnews Monthly

Mail Delivery IssuesIn recent months, mail delivery of firstnews Monthly has been unpredictable. Our production remains unchanged. If you experience mail delays of firstnews Monthly, contact: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, U.S. POSTAL SERVICE1591 DALTON AVE CINCINNATI OH 45234-9631Phone : 1-800-ASK-USPS

Front row left to right – Kim Harris, Meg Wagner, Mary Evans and Lara Belliston Cobb. Second row – Left to right – Director Carol Neff, Annita Meyer, Deb Linville, David Evans, Betty Drobny and Janet Shearron.

The Whitechapel Ringers By Carol Neff

Can you imagine the beautiful sound twelve bell choirs can make?

On Sunday, May 4, 7 pm, the Greater Columbus Area May Handbell Ring will present twelve bell choirs in concert at New Albany High School, 7600 Fodor Road in New Albany. The FCC Whitechapel Ringers will play one of six solos and ring a challenge piece with 7 other choirs. Brass and timpani will be included on two of the six program pieces for all the choirs.

Local co-directors: Chris McManus and Josh Fitzgerald will conduct the handbell choirs. Chris McManus is Director of Music at King Avenue United Methodist in Columbus and Chair of the Greater Columbus Handbell Directors Association. Josh Fitzgerald is Director of Handbells at Church of the Messiah in Westerville and Area 5 Ohio State Chair of Handbell Musicians of America. A freewill offering will be taken.

MorningSongA Spring Service of Worship and Inspirational Music

Music from England and America

The First Community Church Chancel Choirwith members of the Columbus Symphony Chorus

and forty-five members of theColumbus Symphony Orchestra

Ronald J. Jenkins, Conductorand

The Columbus Dance TheatreTimothy Veach, Artistic Director

Sunday, June 1, 20149:15 and 11 am

First Community ChurchNorth Campus

3777 Dublin Road

MorningSongA Service of Worship and Inspirational Music

Music from England and America

Sunday, June 1, 2014 9:15 and 11 amGrace Hall, North Campus, 3777 Dublin Road

The First Community Church Chancel Choirwith members of the Columbus Symphony Chorus

and a forty-five member OrchestraRonald J. Jenkins, Minister of Music and Liturgy

Robert A. Griffith, Organist - Jonquil Thoms, principal violinThe Columbus Dance Theatre, Timothy Veach, Artistic Director

The Reverend Dr. Richard A. Wing, Senior Ministerdelivering the Homily entitled, The Ends of the Earth

Prior to the services of worship, at 8:45 and 10:30 am, Ronald Jenkins will give a pre-service lecture about the music and its history.

This Service of Worship will include joyful hymns for the congregation, inspirational words, choir anthems and choral songs, which will include:

Edward Elgar .................................................................................... Nimrod (from “Enigma Variations”) Gustav Holst/Proulx .................................Processional Hymn, “O Spirit All-Embracing” (Thaxted) Leonard Bernstein .................................... Prayer response, “Almighty Father” (Chorale from Mass)Charles H. H. Parry ......................................................................................................................I Was Glad Stephen Paulus ........................................................................Birdsong (from “Of Songs and Singing”)*Aaron Copland .............................................................The Promise of Living (from The Tender Land)Aaron Copland ........................................................At the River (from “Old American Songs, Set II”) James Erb ......................................................................................................................................Shenandoah Mack Wilberg ......................................................................................................Down to the River to Pray Mack Wilberg .................................................................................... Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

*Commissioned by the Columbus Symphony Chorus in Honor of Chorus Director Ronald Jenkins’ 30th anniversary with the CSO.

Continue the experience of God in music and nature at Camp Akita this afternoon at 2 pm.Complimentary bus transportation from North Campus is provided at 1 pm.

First Community FoundationFirst Community Foundation

AcornThe

May 2014

FIR ST COMMUNIT Y

FOUNDATION

1 dam builds 1 lake = 30,000 jumping into Akita’s lake

1 land purchase = a whole new

church campus & child care center

1 Deep Griha scholarship Helped in India = 500

1 new camera system = visual presence to

over 2500 every week for 20 years.

1 Foundation= 60 Years of Service

Foundation GrantsBy the Numbers

The LoyalistThe minute I met Art Shepard I was struck by his true blue eyes. Not a pale blue, more like tanzanite blue, set off by bushy white eyebrows. Those eyes have seen a lot in his 102 year life. Think back, born 1912 to starting his career in about 1932 while the US was at the cusp of the Roosevelt years. He witnessed with those eyes the Great Depression, the Great War, Korea, Sputnik, the Beatles, Viet Nam, Watergate, Iran Contra deals, 911 and Lady Gaga.

Art started his career selling insurance; he ended his career co-owning a successful insurance company. The loyalist. He met and married Bea and had forty great years together. He met and married Dottie and they had forty great years together. The

loyalist. He started attending and supporting First Community in 1933 and hasn’t stopped. The loyalist.

Art first visited First Community during his courtship with Bea. Before long, he and Bea immersed themselves in the church while raising their two daughters Lynne and Marcia. Couples Circle, guild group, Block of Wood and Akita became more than activities. The church and its ministries were the core of their friendships and a second home. He referred to Roy Burkhart as “Burky.” Art also took the time to serve the church on the Governing Board and sang joyfully in the choir.

Art was there when the Foundation started as the Roy Burkhart Honor Fund in 1954. He helped the initiative for the fund to became a separate 501 (c ) 3 as the First Community Foundation of First Community Church in 1961. He remembers laughing with Lorena Hawley about trying to get the Foundation to give a grant in excess of $2500. When the Foundation received a $100,000 gift from an insurance policy from Irene Hirsch, Art led the campaign to get a separate Board of Trustees from the church. Naturally, he was its first chair in 1970.

Being loyal to the cause, he led by example and by 1979 had initiated two endowments within the Foundation. The first was in memory of Bea in 1972, giving her insurance policy to the Foundation. Bea, a native of Columbus, was a dancer that captured Art’s eye and heart. Any time his sales calls got him close to Columbus, he found time to court her. At one point his boss pulled him aside and said, “Art, you have to marry that girl and move to Columbus. Your Columbus sales are horrible.” Today that endowment can be used for anything at Camp Akita; it is a legacy of life and love.

(Continued, Page 2)

Art Shepard

First Community Foundation2

1954

The Roy A. Burkhart Foundation is started to advance the welfare of mankind and to honor Dr. Burkhart’s 20th Anniversary.

1961

The Foundation is renamed the First Community Foundation and becomes a separate 501 (c ) 3.

1964

Foundation held $135,663 in assets. A Volkswagon Microbus was purchased for Akita.

1965

Irene Hirsch insurance policy of $100,000 was given, causing a restructuring of how the Foundation is managed.

1967

80 acres of land is purchased adjacent to Akita for camp expansion.

1970

After being managed by the Governing Board, the first Foundation Board of Trustees is elected.

1974

The Foundation funds a Sunday morning radio broadcast. It cost $1875 for half the year.

1977

Dick Conrad Memorial Sculpture purchased for South Campus.

1983

$150,000 was given to initiate our media ministry. It was the largest grant ever given to date.

First Community Foundation Timeline

Bring the Children By Donice Wooster

As my time as Director of Early Childhood Ministries at First Community Church draws to a close, I reflect on the profound effect the Foundation has had on the ministries I lead.

I am thinking of a family with five children and very limited financial resources, remembering especially the year that major appliances broke down and there was one unexpected problem after another. Each year they applied for financial aid to send their children to the Preschool, because they valued how their children grew in every way – mentally, emotionally, physically, socially – in this program. They knew why it was an excellent program just right for young children. And each year, thanks to regular grants from the Foundation and a careful application process, I was able to help them enough to make it work.

We are able to assist 10-15 families annually who deeply value their child’s experience in our programs but cannot manage the tuition. Over my time here, this means that at least 250 children have thrived in our programs who would not have been here without help. What a wonderful mission!

Art also initiated the Worship and Arts Endowment in 1979 which was begun to honor his good singing buddy Bob Bowman. Evidently, Art and Bob participated in Vaudvilities and practiced their songs while they were going on sales calls in the car together. Imagine, both of them singing loudly driving down 71 to Newark or out 70 to Springfield. He laughs, as he tells the story, at the reactions of truckers and other cars passing them on the road. Today the endowment’s earnings support many of the music endeavors. Last year, it was tapped to provide travel scholarships for the choir’s trip to Austria and Germany. What a gift of friendship that has impacted much more than his friend Bob.

Art knows his days of serving on committees is complete, but knows he has left an indelible mark on First Community Foundation and the Church. Above his kitchen sink are three tiles: faith, hope and love. He has been blessed to live and demonstrate all three of those attributes. His steady loyalty to his career, family and the church will continue because of the legacy he has so freely given. Thank you, Art.

The Loyalist(Continued from Page 1)I am thinking of the bright new Mary

Evans Center at our North Campus when it opened its doors in January, 1992. After 21 years of service, the refrigerators (industrial strength) that had held the lunches and milk for a whole generation of children needed to be replaced. We were able to manage that large expense thanks to the help of the Foundation.

I am thinking of the heavily used South Campus playground, with so much happy traffic that the safe rubber surface needed to be restored – an unusual expense supported by the Foundation to ensure the continued life of the Preschool and its service to the surrounding community.

I am grateful that a church family, whose children have attended the Mary Evans Center, have given seed money for a Foundation fund to support the Center. It is important for new generations to take on the task of helping the Foundation to do all of the good it can do thanks to careful stewardship.

I will be cheering on the Foundation from another vantage point after I retire in June, but I will always be grateful for the work of its Director and Board and the possibilities it opens for everyone in the family of God.

First Community Foundation 3

1985

$313,000 was awarded to First Community Village to start the Health Care Center.

1988

First deferred planning dinner raised $500,000.

1992

Don Jameson was hired to run the Foundation.

1996

The First Community Heritage Society was established to encourage members to include the Foundation in their wills and trusts.

1999

The Foundation gave seed money to start the Spiritual Searcher Program.

2002

Electronic organ purchased for North Campus.

2009

Foundation funded new church web design.

2012

$190,000 spent on renovations to the 1320 building for a new roof and gutters.

2014

Foundation has over $8 million in assets.

Message from the ChairAs chairperson of your First Community Foundation Board I am amazed by just how much financial support, your church and community receive each year from the Foundation. Without

that support your church would not be the wonderful church I have known since I was 6 years old. If the First Community Foundation is to continue to thrive it will need new gifts from our congregation. The Foundation accepts most types of assets. Among a few are cash, stock, and the purchase of annuities, insurance policies or naming the Foundation in your will as one of the beneficiaries of your estate.

Most of us have savings accounts, IRAs, 401Ks and many other investments that protect our future health and wellbeing. We depend on them to keep us safe in times of extreme need and for retirement. The First Community Foundation is the Church’s savings account for rainy days. Each of us need to seriously consider providing long term support to the Foundation to ensure that First Community Church remains healthy throughout the decades to come. We currently have

65 individual funds and 37 endowed funds that protect our future as a church. The 2014 asset value of your Foundation was $8,325,000. First Community Church has 4,740 members, including children. Our First Edition television program serves almost 2,500 weekly. What about the homeless we serve, the Akita scholarship kids, counselors, and life guards for Camp Akita. Does it count the numerous folks in First Community Village? How about the mission projects we help fund each year; Rafiki, India or Houses for Mexico. Not to mention Heart to Heart, the Trading Post or the Mary Evans Child Center. I would estimate First Community Church serves or reaches 20,000 individuals every year. The grants from our Foundation directly or indirectly reach each of those individuals throughout each year.

I feel it is my charge to ask each of you to consider making a gift to the First Community Foundation this year. How can you do that? Make a continuing annual gift in honor of or in memory of those you love. You may wish to make a gift of any amount to an existing fund or you may make a gift of $5,000 or more which will enable you to “name” a fund. An endowed fund may be established with a gift of at least $25,000. Also a gift of $2,500 will enable

you to be a member of our Foundation Legacy Society, formerly the Heritage Society. Lauri Sullivan, our Foundation Director, is available to talk to you about your giving plans. Don’t wait; call her today at the church.

Make your family a part of the future of your church by leaving a legacy.

First Community Foundation Board of Trustees

Buck Byrne, ChairSandy Anderson, Incoming Chair

Doug Torrance, Past ChairMatt ByrneDoug Covell

Jennifer FountainWayne HarerJim HutchinsRose Konrath

Scott McLaughlinWalter Neff

David QueletteLee VesceliusCheryl Zeiger

Mike ZookScott Campbell, Governing Board Liaison

Cindy Harsany, SecretaryErick Piscopo, TreasurerLauri Sullivan, Director

Patti Link, Administration

First Community FoundationFirst Community Foundation

First Community Foundation1320 Cambridge Boulevard, Columbus OH 43212 • 614 488.0681 • FCchurch.com/foundation

Foundation Sunday is May 4

“We have made at least a start on discovering the meaning of human life when we plant shade trees under which we know full well we will never sit.” — Elton Trueblood

Our Mission First Community Foundation of First Community Church is a not-for-profit organization created to encourage and receive gifts from people and organizations wishing to support the programs and ministries of First Community Church, Camp Akita, and other worthwhile projects. Its purpose is to fund religious, charitable, scientific, literary, and educational endeavors. It encourages friends and members of the church to include the Foundation in their financial and estate planning, and to establish funds within the Foundation to help fulfill its mission. First Community Foundation is a separate 501 (c) (3) public charitable

F IR ST COMMUNIT Y

FOUNDATION

corporation whose Board of Trustees is appointed by the church Governing Board. The Foundation stands apart from First Community Church, yet by its side to assist the church in those areas of financial need not covered by the church’s annual operating budget or special capital campaigns.

We have an education video as well as printed material about the Foundation that we would be happy to share with you. It is our hope that you will consider including First Community Foundation in your financial and estate planning. We are available to speak to groups; please do not hesitate to contact us.

Past, Present and FutureI confess I am at the age when birthdays are scary, but anniversaries are milestones and demand some attention. The First Community Foundation is

officially sixty years young. Back in 1954, the Foundation was initiated as the Roy Burkhart Fund to commemorate his twentieth year of leadership. The original objectives were to work with Batelle on scientific endeavors, support graduate students with loans, and provide the maintenance and operations of the church in lean years. In 1961 it became a separate 501 (c ) 3 and renamed the First Community Foundation.

There are minutes going back to those early years and they tell a story of

Looking to the next sixty years, the Foundation is poised to help with the 20/20 Vision, but the work is far from completed. The mission of the Foundation will evolve, but the core will be to support First Community Church and its ministries. Just this year, a grant from Dr. Wing will be used to aid the new Prison Ministry program. Facility management will continue to be an issue on both campuses and Akita. The Media ministry really is our fourth campus, but needs stronger resources to buffer the costs involved.

A gift to First Community Foundation is physical belief that the First Community’s mission will continue long into the future. Join me in helping make that a reality.

continuous support. Within the first few years we made a contribution for operations of First Community Church, bought land at Akita and financed seminary students.

These initiatives continue today. While we do not refer to the Church annual budget as “lean,” it contains minimal resources for big repairs and relies on the assets within the Foundation. Education is still an imperative, as it currently is supporting a young lady in Equador, David Hett’s continuing ed and Lauren Partis de Breiul’s master’s degree at Methodist Theological Seminary of Ohio. While the Foundation is not into scientific experiments any longer, it has helped every ministry at First Community. The Foundation gave the seed money for the Media ministry and the Health Care Center at First Community Village. It has literally kept a roof over the Cambridge Boulevard building!