Easter Day: The Resurrection of Our Lord

12 April 2020 – 11 a.m.

First Congregational Church, United Church of ChristColumbus, Ohio

“The Road to Emmaus” Daniel Bonnell

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Welcome to First ChurchChrist the Lord is Risen Today!

Welcome to Virtual Easter Worship at First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ. Today is Easter Sunday – The Day of Resurrection! We are overjoyed that you are with us today through YouTube or Facebook. In case you don’t know us, First Church is a growing and exciting congregation in the heart of Ohio’s capital city. Since 1852, when 42 Abolitionists founded our church, we have served Christ with joy, passion, love and justice in Columbus, Ohio. Now, over 1,500 women, men, children and youth in our church family are excited about the years ahead as we seek to be faithful servants of our Risen Lord! For 18 years we have been an Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ—welcoming ALL God’s children with Christ’s extravagant love. During Lent 2020 we attempted to focus on “Christianity 101” in our small groups, teaching times, and the 2020 Sermon Series. The Coronavirus pandemic changed our approach to this from early March to today. We have been moved from study to practice; from Learning About “Christianity 101” to Living It. All of us have been called in this time to deeper prayer and more compassionate action while working, living and coping in the midst of Ohio’s “Stay at Home” orders.

Like you, we are living into our new normal with the strong belief that this, too, shall pass. When it does, we want to see everyone back together again! When we return to live worship (as opposed to livestream worship) we invite you to come worship and grow with us in the heart of Columbus.

How might you be a part of our growing community of God’s love and justice in the heart of the city? First, we invite you to bring your children and grandchildren to our playground, park, and if you feel so called, to church school on Sunday morning. Second, we invite you to join in our mission—locally, nationally and around the globe. There is always room for you to work shoulder to shoulder with our members in Laundry Love, Good Samaritan and at Friends of the Homeless where we serve our neighbors. Each Christmas, we host Bethlehem on Broad Street, opening our doors and our hearts to the lost and the lonely in our region. Since 2000, we have been very active in BREAD (Building Responsibility, Equality, And Dignity), the leading congregation-based social justice organization in Ohio. Third, bring your talents and share God’s love in the way that you are most gifted and able.

Fourth, come visit The Washington Gladden Social Justice Park on the corner of Broad Street and Cleveland Ave (on the west side of our church). It is a park with a purpose – the first Social Justice Park in America. As we develop art, the pathway of justice and programming, we are discovering new ways that this park will serve as a transformative place for all people in our ever-changing city. We invite you to see the park now and as it grows and changes. All that we do here is centered in God’s love and in the power of God’s Resurrection in Jesus Christ. We know Christ is raised because we witness resurrection all around us every day. We see resurrection in the faces, words and lives of our children at church when they sing, dance, smile and share with us. We see resurrection when the seemingly impossible odds we face battling illnesses and suffering are overcome, and we walk in the light of God’s love once again. We see resurrection in the faces of those who battle through hardship and peril and find their strength to stand and walk again. All of these resurrections are “physical,” yet all of them are spiritual, as well. If Christ is not raised, then how do his people continue to rise and walk in the light of his faith, hope and love? We are witnesses of the Risen Christ at First Church. We see God’s love and spirit bursting in our church. It is a beautiful sight to behold. Thanks be to God! If you are seeking God’s love in your life, please come and grow in your faith with us. If you call First Church “home” but have been away for quite a while, we have missed you. Welcome home. We are delighted you are here today. Come and be with us in a 365-day experience once again. Today we begin the Great 50 Days of Easter. Join us on the journey from Easter to Pentecost and beyond. May God’s resurrection joy touch your heart and mind today and all the days of your life. Love in the Spirit of the Risen Christ,

The Reverend Dr. Tim Ahrens, Senior Minister

p.s. follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and our website –

www.first-church.org

Welcome to First Church!

If you are visiting today and looking for a church home, welcome! For more than 167 years our Covenant has been: We covenant with the Lord Jesus Christ and one another, and bind ourselves in the presence of God to live together in all God’s ways as revealed to us by the Holy Spirit and holy scripture. The church acknowledges that all members have the right of individual interpretation of the principles of the Christian faith and respects them in their honest convictions. In accordance with the teaching of our Lord, the church recognizes two sacraments: Baptism and Holy Communion.

Alleluia! Christ is Risen!Prelude Sarabande for Easter Herbert Howells

Welcome The Rev. Dr. Timothy C. Ahrens

Introit Rise Up, My Love, My Fair One Healey Willan(pre-recorded)

Rise up my love, my fair one, and come away. For lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone.

The flowers appear upon the earth. The time of singing of birds is come.

Arise my love, my fair one, and come away.—Song of Songs 2:10

Enter to Worship Rev. Ahrens Leader Alleluia! Christ is risen! People Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia! Leader Rejoice, heavenly powers! Sing, choirs of angels! People Jesus Christ, our light, is risen! Leader Sound the trumpet of salvation! People Rejoice, O earth, in shining splendor, All Christ has conquered! Glory fills you! Night vanishes for ever!

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* Processional Hymn Jesus Christ is Risen Today Easter Hymn (pre-recorded) arr. John Rutter

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* Litany of Easter Joy The Rev. Emily Krause Corzine (Hippolytus of Rome, Third century) Leader The shadows seized a body: All and found it was God. Leader They reached for earth: All and what they held was heaven. Men They took what they could see: it was what no one sees. Women Where is death’s goad? Where is the shadow’s victory? All Christ is risen: Leader the world below is in ruins. All Christ is risen: Women the spirits of evil are fallen. Men the angels of God are rejoicing. All Christ is risen: Leader the tombs are void of their dead. All Christ has indeed arisen from the dead: Leader the first of those who sleep. All Glory and power are Christ’s for ever and ever. Amen.

* Welcome and Passing of the Peace Dr. Ahrens Leader The peace of the Lord be always with you. People And also with you. Leader Let us greet one another with a sign of Christ’s peace.

Children’s Time Mark S. Williams

The Hebrew Scripture Jeremiah 31:1–6 Kevin Jones

A reading from the book of the prophet Jeremiah.

At that time, says the Lord, I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people. Thus says the Lord: The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness; when Israel sought for rest, the Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. Again I will build you, and you shall be built, O virgin Israel! Again you shall take your tambourines, and go forth in the dance of the merrymakers. Again you shall plant vineyards on the mountains of Samaria; the planters shall plant, and shall enjoy the fruit. For there shall be a day when sentinels will call in the hill country of Ephraim: “Come, let us go up to Zion, to the Lord our God.”

Leader The Word of God for the people of God. People Thanks be to God.

Anthem Alleluia Randall Thompson(pre-recorded)

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The Acts of the Apostles Acts 10:34–43 Rev. Corzine A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears God and does what is right is acceptable to God. You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Leader The Word of God for the people of God. People Thanks be to God.

* Gospel Hymn The Strife is O’er Victory

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Please remain standing for the Easter Gospel.

* The Easter Gospel John 20:1–18 Rev. Corzine and Rev. Ahrens A reading from the Gospel according to John.

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes.

But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

Leader The Word of God for the people of God. People Thanks be to God.

Please be seated.

Easter Sermon “Designed to Rise” Dr. Ahrens

A period of silence follows.

Easter Prayer - The Risen Lord Rev. Corzine (Lucien Deiss, from Come, Lord Jesus)

Let us pray. (silence)

Lord Jesus, by your resurrection, you renew the universe; you change our death into your life; we pray to you: Jesus Christ, risen Lord, have mercy on us.

Give us kindness wherever you find bitterness, confidence wherever you find distress, joy wherever you find sorrow; we pray to you: Jesus Christ, risen Lord, have mercy on us.

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Give us humility wherever pride reigns, pardon wherever offense abides, grace wherever sin abounds; we pray to you: Jesus Christ, risen Lord, have mercy on us.

Give us love wherever hatred burns, hope wherever despair is crying, faith wherever doubt prevails; we pray to you:Jesus Christ, risen Lord, have mercy on us.

Give us a new spirit in our old age, a new heart to replace a heart of stone, and the New Covenant in your holy resurrection; we pray to you:Jesus Christ, risen Lord, have mercy on us. Amen.

Gathering these prayers with those in our hearts, let us pray the prayer that Christ our Savior has taught us:

Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen

The OffertoryWant to give online? Please scan this QR code link, or go to www.first-church.org/give.aspx

Mission Invitation Dr. AhrensCash and designated checks go to One Great Hour of Sharing, which joins our hearts with God by providing decisive aid when disaster strikes, and by helping refugees rebuild their lives. Gifts strengthen struggling communities with basics like education, health care, tools, seeds, and wells. Thank you for your generosity.

Chorus Hallelujah! (Messiah) G.F. Handel(pre-recorded)

* Presentation Hymn Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow sung to Lasst uns erfreuen

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.Praise Christ all creatures here below. Alleluia, alleluia.Praise Holy Spirit evermore.Praise Triune God whom we adore. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

* Prayer of Dedication Rev. Corzine

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* Closing Hymn Thine is the Glory Judas Maccabeus

* Easter Benediction Dr. Ahrens Leader Rejoice, people of God!

Christ is risen from the dead!Go in peace to love and serve God.Christ is with you always,even to the end of the age!

All Amen. Alleluia!

Postlude Toccata (Symphonie V) Charles-Marie Widor

After the postlude, all are invited to go to FaceBook Live as we release the butterflies on the Broad Street steps.

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The Congregation, Council, and Staff

wish you a Blessed Easter!

Leadership in the serviceThe Rev. Dr. Timothy C. Ahrens, Senior MinisterThe Rev. Emily Krause Corzine, Associate Minister

Kevin Jones, Minister of Music Mark S. Williams, Director of Christian Education

FIRST CHURCH CHOIRSoprano: Marti Baumer, Brianna Burkett, Candace Cummings, Rose Kandel,

Melissa Lawson, Joan Lombardi, Emily Noël, Dora Paolucci, Susan Pusecker, Megan Smith, Lexi WhiteAlto: Janet Axt, Jamie Blair, Cari Brackett, Susan Brooks, Cindy Deliman, Allison Ellenberger, Marcia Essig,

Brad Findell, Jennifer Fry, Cheryl Hoskinson, Mary Anne Jacobson, Sarah Lange, Nancy Loy, SallyJane Mathias, Cathy Redenbarger, Jan Wade

Tenor: Leigh Briggs, Bill Catus, Kevin Cubick, Jim Griffin, Dustin Jarred, Bill Lange, Pavan Peter, Rick Sayre

Bass: Joseph Bellissimo, Jonathan Bethke, Jeff Corzine, John Deliman, Jim Gieseke,Christopher Humbert, Ryan Jones, Sebastian Knowles, David Stang

The cover artwork is titled “The Road to Emmaus” by artist Daniel Bonnell (b. 1955). Used by permission of the artist. All other artwork used throughout this bulletin is by Steven Erspamer, and is used with permission. All music reproduced within this program is used with permission by arrangement with OneLicense.net #A-700311. All rights reserved. “Jesus Christ is Risen Today” is arranged by John Rutter.

All other arrangements of the hymns and service music are by Kevin Jones, or as noted. All rights reserved.

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The list is headed by the names and dates of those senior ministers, now deceased, who served this church with distinction and devotion.

William H. Marble 1852–1856 Washington Gladden 1882–1918John M. Steele 1856–1857 Carl S. Patton 1911–1917Henry B. Elliott 1858–1860 Irving Maurer 1918–1924Edward P. Goodwin 1860–1867 McIlyar H. Lichliter 1924–1942George W. Phillips 1868–1871 Boynton Merrill 1943–1959Robert G. Hutchins 1872–1882 Chalmers Coe 1960–1983

In memory of our beloved Aunt Ruth Klingler; in honor of our children Luke, Kirsten, Benton, Rylan, and the grandchild soon to arrive, Daniel, Thalia, Sarah, Nathan & Ethan by the Rev. Tim Ahrens and Susan SitlerIn memory of Janice Jones, Bunita Weiner, Jerry and Anne Bellissimo, and Leo and Barbara Jones by Joseph Bellissimo and Kevin JonesIn memory of my parents Maxine and Bill Gilson by Nancy BravermanIn celebration of our loving parents, Scott and Margaret Graham and in memory of our cousin, Ben Clark, who was taken too soon, by Michael and Caitlin BukachIn honor of Libby given by Jane CarterIn celebration of Spring and all First Church volunteers by Barbara ClaphamIn memory of loved ones by Bev and Bert CookIn memory of Dr. William J. Corzine, Jr. and Walter E. Krause and in celebration of Mrs. Cynthia Krause and Mrs. Catherine Corzine by Jeff and Emily CorzineIn memory of Mary Lea Davis, Paul and Charlotte Jenkins, Joan Jenkins, and June Jenkins by Will Davis and Ron JenkinsIn memory of my wife Kathleen Dean, in memory of my parents Ruth and Ralph Dean and in honor of my daughters Amanda and Jennifer Dean by Geoffrey DeanIn memory of Kay Deliman and Donald Mead by John and Cindy DelimanIn honor of our ministers and staff who continue to serve us all during these difficult times by Melva FisherIn celebration of our hard-working staff at First Congregational Church by Kate EricksonIn honor of my parents Arlene Reynolds and Milton Flocken by Lou FlockenIn celebration of G. Dene Barnard, Ronald Jenkins, Kevin Jones and the First Church Choir by Jennifer A. FryIn memory of Wally Giffen by Sarah Giffen and familyIn honor of Frieda Stewart and Fred Stewart by Ann HuntIn honor of Dr. Lynn Wallich and in memory of Gloria and Kenneth Kellison and Dr. Carl E. Speicher, Sr. by Greg Kellison and Erik SpeicherDedicated to the amazing First Church Staff by Russ Kelm and Pamela Kallner In celebration of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Kiesel’s 60th wedding anniversary by Tom KieselIn memory of Bob and Shirley Lange and Wendell and Ruby Smith by Bill and Sarah LangeIn celebration of the First Church Staff by Sandy and Joel MathiasIn celebration of Patti and Victor Merritt, Ken and Susan Salak, and Ruthie Prendergast by Melissa and Abby PrendergastIn celebration of my mother Joyce Beitzel by Joe, Jenny, Mia and Matty ProvenzanoIn celebration of Kevin Jones and Joe Bellissimo, and in memory of Leo and Barbara Jones and Janice Jones by Chris RafeldIn honor of Milton, Louis and Annette Flocken, Sarah, Cortland and Donald Finch, John Reynolds, Conrad Balliet, and Rebekah Salser Hambor by Arlene ReynoldsGiven to the glory of God by Mark, Stacie and Miles ShollIn celebration of my family and to the glory of God by Gleva StephensIn memory of Edward and Betty Ryan and Charles and Julia Wagner by Amy, Bill, Katie and Chase Wagner In memory of parents James Carl and Ethel Conley Warren by Elaine Warren In memory of loved ones by Mark Williams and Tim CarseyIn memory of loved ones by Marty and Gerry Worth

The Easter Dedications

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About First Congregational Church

Welcome to First Congregational Church. As you can see and hear from the soaring Gothic Revival architecture, the stained glass windows, and the sound of music in this space, beauty is truly a multimedia encounter here.

Sunday Worship Services are held at 9:00 a.m. (Morning Prayer and Holy Communion, Parish Hall), 11:00 a.m. (Sanctuary), and 4:00 p.m. (Choral Evensong, third Sundays of the month as announced). Following the Social Gospel tradition of Washington Gladden, senior minister of this church from 1882 to 1914, First Congregational Church welcomes all people and extends its mission and witness into the community.

This Building was designed by renowned architect John Russell Pope, dedicated in 1931 and renovated in 1997. The lead gifts for this property and building were given by J.A. and Celia Jeffrey.

The Brussells Tapestries were woven in 1575 in Belgium, embodying the artistic ideals of the Renaissance. Part of a larger series, they depict events in the life of Abraham.

About the Stained Glass Windows: Seven studios have placed their work in this church: Nicola d’Ascenzo, Charles J. Connick, Connick Associates, Oliver Smith, Gabriel Loire/Jacques Loire Vitraux, Francis Deck/Emil Frei, and Ellen Miret/Willet Stained Glass. Above the Chancel, the Jeffrey window, given in thanksgiving for the lives and generosity of J.A. and Celia Jeffrey, (Nicola d’Ascenzo Studios, 1931) depicts Christ’s earthly life and ministry.

The Banner Stand is rolled steel and made by Albert Paley in 2003.

The Chancel Cross is made of red enameled copper facets on Brazilian rosewood, by William J. Thompson, sculptor, in 1963.

The Collection of Liturgical Banners is made by artist Deb Anderson.

The Honor Roll in the southwest corner of the Sanctuary honors the men and women who served our nation in WWII. An accompanying book offers all the opportunity to give thanks for all others who have served.

The Washington Gladden Social Justice Park on the corner of Cleveland Avenue and Broad Street celebrates the legacy of Social Justice in Columbus and was built with lead gifts from Nancy Jeffrey and family celebrating Robert Hutchins “Tad” Jeffrey II. The park was dedicated on October 28, 2018.

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“Christianity 101” Online Class

The Rev. Dr. Nancy Livingston will teach online each Friday afternoon on the curriculum “Christianity 101.” The sessions are at 1 p.m. with the first one starting on March 20. The intent is these will run each Friday through May 1.Join Zoom Meetinghttps://zoom.us/j/967443994?pwd=K3pvTEpTL2YycGVoVGpmWVBBVmFHdz09

Meeting ID: 967 443 994Password: 167654

Spring Flower SaleYouth groups are taking orders for their spring flower sale now through April 13. There are many varieties of flowers and hanging baskets to choose from, and several varieties of vegetables. The order form can be viewed online from the church website. Please mail your order, along with payment, to the office. Plants will be available for pick up May 9-10.

April 12, 2020

This Week at First Church

Sunday, 4/1211 a.m. Worship, YouTube and Facebook Monday, 4/137 p.m. Trustees, virtual Tuesday, 4/147 p.m. Executive and Council, virtual

Wednesday, 4/15 5:45 p.m. Personnel, virtual Friday, 4/171 p.m. “Christianity 101,” virtual Saturday, 4/188:30 a.m. House and Grounds, virtual

Please note: Rev. Tim’s online Bible Study on “Comfort” has been cancelled for Monday, April 13. The class will resume Monday, April 20 at 8 p.m.

Emergency Pastoral Care Line

If you need to be in touch with Rev. Ahrens or Rev. Corzine for emergency pastoral care or name a prayer request, please call this number 614-733-4547 and leave a message. Someone will return your call as needed.

Keep in PrayerJoan Lebold; Dr. Karl Danneberger, Sallie, Marc and Kyle Danneberger; Paul Flocken; Wendy and Ryan Kirkland; Austin Akey, grandson of Melva Fisher; Richard Brant; Mike Bittle, brother-in-law of Melva Fisher; Paul Zimmerman, father of Doug Zimmerman; Taco, service dog for Mariner Taft; Rev. Earl Fritz and Pauline Fritz; Amy Smith, sister of Sarah Lange; Arlene Reynolds; and those who mourn the loss of loved ones, including Dayna McCrary and family, on the loss of her sister; Dene Barnard, on the loss of his brother; Rabbi Rick Keller, whose mother is in hospice; all medical professionals in our congregation who are on the front lines; and all those affected by illness, especially the Coronavirus, locally, nationally and globally.

Give At First Church, our financial resources enable us to “Enter to worship, depart to serve.” You can support the mission and ministry of First Church now by scanning the QR Code, using either EasyTithe or PayPal, by visiting https://www.first-church.org/give.aspx, or by sending your offering directly to First Congregational Church, 444 E Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215. You can also make payments through your bank’s bill pay option. For more information, please contact Pam Mantor at pmantor@first-church.org or Rev. Emily Corzine at ecorzine@first-church.org.

Today, cash and designated checks go to One Great Hour of Sharing, which joins our hearts with God by providing decisive aid when disaster strikes, and by helping refugees rebuild their lives. Gifts strengthen struggling communities with basics like education, health care, tools, seeds, and wells. Thank you for your generosity.

Church Leadership

Senior Minister Rev. Dr. Timothy C. Ahrens, M.Div., D. Min.Associate Minister Rev. Emily Krause Corzine, M. Div.Minister of Music Kevin Jones, M. M., M.S.E.Minister of Christian Education Mark S. Williams, M. Ed.Administrative Manager Amy WagnerOffice Assistant Pat PattersonCommunications Consultant Melissa KulwickiFinancial Assistant Pam MantorBuilding and Grounds Superintendent Mark DahnkeBuilding and Grounds Assistant Darrell CrossCustodian Jimy Sibrian

Wedding Coordinators Amy Wagner, Janet Newcity, Shelly Gies, Margaret Cipriani, Katie WagnerNursery Staff Miranda Brooks, Norma Secor, Blessing Weekly, Miranda Gumbita Senior Deacon James VeloDeacons Carol Ernst-King, Shelly Gies, Sarah Giffen, Scott Graham, Greg Halbe, Lanier Holt, Antoinette Koolemans-Beynen, James Lowe, Dayna McCrary, Allison Lowery Palmer, Mark Sholl, Andrew Smith-Verhage, Al Waddell, Marty Worth Church Council LeadershipModerator Lynn Wallich; Moderator-elect Alec Deitz; Treasurer Dennis Secor; Treasurer-elect Matt Myers; Secretary Jim Griffin; Secretary-elect Peter Murray

Board of Trustees Chairperson Chris Farquhar; Trustees Allen Baker, Brian Cave, Sue Cook, Cindy Conn, Kevin Cubick, Tom Hadley, Jim Kyle, Elaine Warren CommissionersAdministration Andy Bensing; Administration-elect Brad West; Church Growth Cheryl Hoskinson; Church Growth-elect Elisha Hardekopf; Church Vitality Fran Panek; Church Vitality-elect Lee Kiesel; Education Stacie Sholl; Education-elect Margaret Graham; House & Grounds Victor John; House & Grounds-elect Eric Klintworth; Justice & Mercy Kaye Martin; Justice & Mercy-elect Lauren Muscott; Music, Arts & Heritage David Mailer; Music, Arts & Heritage-elect Scott Jones; Members-at-Large Melissa Prendergast & Mia Provenzano; Nominating Committee Chair Joe Baszynski

Welcome StatementYou are welcomed, affirmed, and loved here; our faith informs us that you are a child of a loving God. Your characteristics and gifts will enrich our congregation. In this community, you will be celebrated, embraced, and honored, no matter how you identify or how your identity may evolve. Wherever you are on your faith journey, we invite you to join us in our diverse yet united experience.

Open and Affirming StatementWe, the members of First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, Columbus, Ohio, welcome and affirm all. We believe we are all created in God’s image and called to love our neighbors as Jesus loves us. We believe we are many members, but one body in Christ, called to unite all people in God’s love. We are a community seeking God’s presence and love in our lives. We seek to unite persons of all ages, races, nationalities, ethnicities, sexual orientations, sexes, gender identities and expressions, family structures, mental, intellectual and physical conditions, economic circumstances, political, theological and faith backgrounds. Together in our diversity, and being empowered and directed by the Holy Spirit, we will “do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God.” (Micah 6:8)

—Adopted September 8, 2002 by the congregationRevisions adopted January 27, 2019 by the congregation

Leadership

Senior Minister, Timothy C. Ahrens, D.Min.Associate Minister, Emily Krause Corzine, M.Div.

Minister of Music, Kevin Jones, M.M., M.S.E.Director of Christian Education, Mark S. Williams, M.Ed.Commissioned Minister for Social Justice, Tom Brownfield

Commissioned Minister for Spiritual Formation and Direction, Jacquelyn DeanNursery Staff, Miranda Brooks, Miranda Gumbita, Norma Secor, Blessing Weekly

Organist-Choirmaster Emeritus, G. Dene Barnard, S.M.M.

diaconate

Senior Deacon, James VeloDeacons: Carol Ernst-King, Shelly Gies, Sarah Giffen, Scott Graham, Greg Halbe,

Lanier Holt, Antoinette Koolemans-Beynen, James Lowe, Dayna McCrary, Allison Lowery Palmer, Mark Sholl, Andrew Smith-Verhage, Al Waddell, Marty Worth

church staff

Office Administrator, Amy Wagner Office Assistant, Pat Patterson

Building and Grounds Superintendent, Mark DahnkeBuilding and Grounds Assistant, Darrell Cross

Custodian, Jimy SibrianWedding Coordinators, Margaret Cipriani, Shelly Gies, Janet Newcity,

Amy Wagner, Katie Wagner

First Congregational ChurCh, united ChurCh oF Christ

444 east Broad street, ColumBus, ohio 43215-3885phone: 614.228.1741 • www.First–ChurCh.org