firstnews614 488.0681 FCchurch.com April 1 - 30, 2014 Vol. 60 No. 4

Monthly

Akita 5K& Fun Run

Pages 14

Mission Council Garage Sale

Page 6 Page 7

MissionsUpdates

Green Eggs and… Easter?

One of my most interesting Confirmation (Block of Wood) classes was when a student asked me where were the Easter rabbits and Easter eggs

and all that stuff in the Easter story. So if you’ve ever wondered about that, here we go.

It all has to do with Christianity both trying to survive in and to use the pagan religious traditions in which it began and then was trying to evangelize. First of all, the name Easter is from the name “Eostre,” the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring. Easter is celebrated in the spring because Jesus’ resurrection came at the time of the Jewish Passover celebration, always a spring event. (Actually, if we take seriously the shepherds on the hills with their sheep and lambs, Christmas should also be a spring celebration, but that’s another story.)

It all began somewhere during the second century, when Christian missionaries looked for a way to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection within the customs of the people where they were working. Springtime festivals, already established celebrations in many cultures, were a natural both because of the coincidence of timing and the new life theme of Easter. Out of the dead of winter comes the rebirth of the earth.

(Continued, Page 2)

By Rev. Paul E. Baumer

MAUNDY THURSDAY | APRIL 17

8 pm - South Campus

Candlelight Choral Service of Holy Communion and Tenebrae

Led by the members of the Clergy with readings by members of the Board of Deacons; Choral Music by the Chancel Choir; Ronald Jenkins, Minister of Music & Liturgy; Robert Griffith, Organist

GOOD FRIDAY | APRIL 18

12 Noon - North Campus

A Service of Worship and Music with Chamber Singers and Orchestra

With portions of Handel’s Messiah as well as music of Bach, Ferguson, Rutter, and Barber’s Adagio for Strings presented by members of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and the First Community Church Chamber Singers.

Dr. Richard A. Wing, Senior Minister, delivers a meditation.

EASTER SUNDAY | APRIL 20

South Campus:

8:30 am - Holy Communion in Burkhart Chapel. The Reverend Mr. James M. Long, preacher.

10 am & 11:30 am - The Reverend Dr. Richard A. Wing, preacher; Chancel Choir with Brass and Tympani.

North Campus:

8:30 am - The Reverend Dr. Richard A. Wing, preacher; Chancel Choir with Brass and Percussion.

10 am - The Reverend Ms. Katherine H. Shaner, preacher.

HOLY WEEK &

EASTER Join Us

2 April 1 - 3, 2014

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The Burkhart Luncheon - You Don’t Want to Miss It! By Mary Gossard

As you may know, Dr. Roy Burkhart started a beautiful tradition in our church when he sponsored a birthday party for his mother over 70 years ago. This party became the Sweetheart Luncheon; now named the Burkhart Luncheon to honor Dr. Burkhart and his mother. The luncheon serves as our opportunity to celebrate the women of First Community Church who are over 70 years of age.

The Burkhart Luncheon is sponsored by the Service Board in collaboration with the Older Adult Council. It is our privilege to offer this opportunity for these women to get together for some special “girl time.”

The event starts with some social time and light refreshments. A catered lunch follows with church staff and Deacons joining the ladies. The event concludes with an entertaining program which varies each year. There’s always a lot of joy and laughter in the room; and a goody bag of cookies to take home.

This year’s Burkhart Luncheon will be held on Saturday, May 3 at 11:30 am, North Campus. To receive an invitation or to RSVP, please call the church switchboard at 614 488.0681. We hope to see everyone back this year. If you haven’t attended in the past, we would love to have you join us for the first time, you all deserve a little pampering.

Rev. Jim Long will be the speaker and his title is: A Reflection on the Ministry of Dr. Roy Burkhart.

By the 1200s or so, eggs came to be a definite part of Easter festival meals. Eggs, like all animal products, were forbidden during Lent. People preserved eggs by boiling them, and come Easter, eggs!

Also, eggs in some religions around the Mediterranean Sea were a symbol of fertility and new life. Some Christians painted eggs red, symbolizing the blood of Jesus, and then some artistic folks got involved and today coloring Easter eggs is a fine art in many places.

Our German ancestors observed the fertility of rabbits. At some point, stories about an Easter rabbit laying Easter eggs got going and while rabbits obviously can’t do that, the Easter rabbit story became part of the tradition.

Out of winter, spring. Out of death, new life. Happy Easter.

Green Eggs (Continued from Page 1)

April 1 - 30, 2014 3

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

Soundings

WatchFirst EditionFeatures the previous

week’s service on CW Columbus (WWHO-TV) Sundays at 9 am.

Worship Live StreamSundays at 11 am

FCchurch.com

Dr. Wing is preparing the following sermons:

April 6: 5th Sunday in LentPREVIEW OF COMING ATTRACTIONS

April 13: Palm/Passion SundayTHE CLAIMS OF FAITH & THE FACTS OF LIFE

April 20: Easter SundaySTRONG IN THE BROKEN PLACES

April 27: Second Sunday of EasterWHATEVER IT TAKES

Looking Ahead

The Clock Is Ticking

My brother and I shared a room as kids. He was the neat one. I was the messy one. Every day was a head on collision. But I digress. One thing we liked in our room was an old wind-up clock that belonged to some distant relative whom we promised to never forget, which of course we did. Good old aunt somebody.

The clock was loud. I thought I would never be able to sleep with it ticking when I first heard it. But, I discovered it did not bother me, and I did

not hear it except when you called attention to its loud ticking. My friend, Art Morgan, and I grieved the loss of our dear clergy buddy Dr. George Tolman. At his loss, I recalled the other losses I still grieve: Bob Jones, Lee Regier, Chuck Shields and unforgettable teachers like Robert Capon. Art reminds me that losses can suddenly make you hear the clock ticking that you couldn’t hear any longer. Art said, “We’re all on the clock; a clock that ticks more loudly every day.” Art says rightly that we need to read the Psalm each day that reads, “Teach us to number our days ... that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.” Lent is a time to remember the people and things you can’t afford to forget, and to hear again the clock that has been ticking all along. The stretch of Lent that ends with Easter reminds us that life has limits and so does the time we have to do the things we have to do in order to leave this world a little kinder. Don’t ask “for whom the bell tolls” or for whom the clock ticks; their sounds are gentle reminders to do the things you need to do while boxes remain on your calendar.

Peace to your Lenten/Easter path,

ReconnectingDr. Wing, I am a first year student at Ohio State from nearby Dublin. I’m emailing you today to thank you for posting the webcasts of the services each week. It has allowed me the opportunity to renew my faith and reconsider my priorities as I begin my adult life. I attended FCC off and on throughout high school, in addition to L.I.F.E. Guarding at Camp Akita, but have always struggled with my faith.

As you mentioned in a previous sermon, I made it really hard for God to find me. I spent the majority of my high school career, and first semester of college, grasping for something to hold on to and often felt hopeless and without purpose. I attempted to fill the void by working harder and succeeding more, but ultimately gave up and thought that I was just a depressed individual.

It came to me the other day that of all the experiences in my life, I would never forget the simple joy of being at Camp Akita and the wholeness I felt in serving the homeless of Columbus on the Streets Mission Project.

To this day, I still have a clay angel that was given to me around Christmastime from one of the people that we served and I befriended over the course of my junior year. It reminds me of what happiness and joy truly are. Thank you,

Grant Guthery

4 April 1 - 3, 2014

Foundation GiftsIn Memory of:Edward J. Rydman Deborah ButlerMegan Patrick Jane Yale Ruth GardnerDick Conrad Janet McCutcheonEdward “Ted” F. Clark Ruth Wetsel Reigel Tom and Bette FryeJane Davis Betty O’Neill Miriam Clark Kay Graf Link and Deborah Murphy

In Honor of:Michael Barber Guild Group QRichard and Margaret Wood’s 64th Wedding Anniversary Susan Aumiller

Church Gifts In Honor of:Cameron and Molly MitchellGeoffrey and Peggy MitchellBrian and Carol Mitchell Joan K. Mitchell

Friends of Music

In Celebration of:The Marriage of Ronald Jenkins & William Davis Bill and Susan NapierWinter Song Jane and George SmithAll that is music at FCC Jayne and Mike KaylorSusan Huhta Lynne AyresThe Music Department Ron and Sue HalleyRonald Jenkins and The Chancel Choir Scott and Allison Kingsley and FamilyDick Wing Richard HellandDick Wing’s 20th Anniversary Ann Williams

In Honor of:Ronald Jenkins and William Davis Louise KutzJennifer Henson Barb BradleyMissy Obergefell The Harr Family

In Memory of:Roger Boyd Pat BoydWilliam T. Morrow Jeanne V. MorrowFrodo Gretchen GoffeDorothy Baker Kay and Chuck Emrick

Heart to HeartAnne ShelineBiddie ClarkRoma Jeanne BlairTom & Cindy HudsonDave & Jeanne BuschLeslie Szasz & Cynthia GrayJohn & Cheryl ZeigerMary Hane Hickman

In Celebration of:Lucy Caskie Amy & Jared CaskieLamar Graham William Zapp

Heart to Heart

Foundation Corner

— Lauri Speight Sullivan, Director of First Community Foundation

Diamond Strong

Diamond: A hard gemstone from the Greek (adámas), meaning “proper”, “unalterable”, “unbreakable.”

I have an enviable (or unenviable) position in that I have one of the few jobs in a church in which I am expected to talk dollars and cents, and pray I can make sense of it. I am often asked what the Foundation does and why. Simply, the First Community Foundation is an asset that supports the ministries, the mission and the facilities of First Community Church and the world at large. All

gifts are in addition to pledges. Recently, a church member came into my office wondering why the Foundation was paying for the new South Campus boiler.

“Shouldn’t that be an operations expense? Don’t we know it is old?”

Taking a real-life incident at my own home about nine years ago, my husband and I were reviewing our annual budget. One of his first questions was, “Why is college in our annual budget? That’s savings.” My answer was simply,” Yes, it is coming from savings, but it is an operational line item for the next twelve years.” Our three kids are exactly four years apart, hence the twelve long years of college expense. We thankfully had saved the money over an eighteen year period, and now it was time to spend it. So should the bill be planned from our annual operations or savings? There was no way it would come from our annual earnings, unless we didn’t pay the mortgage or eat. The money was transferred from savings when it was appropriate.

So, back to the annual church budget. Should the boiler expense come from our operational pledges or the Foundation? The operational budget is built from the annual pledges and is used for fixed building maintenance, utilities, insurance and salaries. The choices to pay for the boiler would have been:

1. Finance it,

2. Ask the congregation for more money,

3. Recognize we have a resource that can be tapped into for these occasions.

How fortuitous! Foundation to the rescue! (Some other churches have reserve accounts or roll these big expenses into a capital campaign or take out a loan.) That forward thinking can be attributed to a few brave souls that started the Foundation back in 1954 to honor Roy Burkhart. It is the Foundation’s Sixtieth Anniversary, the Diamond Anniversary.

Today the Foundation continues to be hard, strong and resilient. It is a long-term savings account of extra gifts that have been invested until needed and spent cautiously. Like a diamond, it is a conductive agent that provides streamlined efficiency that is difficult to find in many churches. The Church relies on the shining qualities of the Foundation to carry the burden of some minor and major capital replacement, like the twenty-three-year-old boiler. While the boiler is a mundane issue, that boiler provides more than heat. It helps emphasize the power of the Foundation because it is a gem in our portfolio of ministries.

Faithfully,

60FIRS

T CO

MMUNITY FOUNDATION

Diamond Anniversary

*

(Continued, Page 5)

April 1 - 30, 2014 5

Circle Grows Closer As Time Passes By Diana Arthur

Couples Circle 20 of First Community Church, which has been meeting monthly for 63 years, was recently photographed at their March get-together.

Patty Wetherbee, the group historian, remembers the first meeting of these young marrieds at Tom Hawk’s parents’ home. Eddie and Jean Rydman (he was the FCC youth director) were the group’s sponsors.

At the first meeting at the Wetherbee’s, an apartment on Northwest Blvd., the group’s first baby, Doug Brandt, was carried in a portable crib on the shoulder of his father, Kent, to sleep the night away in the bedroom. Later when the Wetherbees had moved into a house at Coventry and Edgemont Roads, they hosted a family picnic in the backyard. Dick Pickett has home movies of Dick Wetherbee trying to line up all the children for a group picture, where for every one he brought to the site, two ran off.

Through the years, these friendships have been so valuably supportive during the ups and downs of members’ lifetimes. As Patty says, “We were a circle, a church, and it’s still working with wonderful love and warmth!”

In Honor of:Crystal Allen Louise KutzJane Belt Susan ForbesBonnie Bishop Deborah LindsayMiriam Clark Terry WilliamsonEmily Groom & Bryn Foyle Judy Long & Charlie VachrisLamar Graham Iola (Tommie) Lanaman Kevin & Angie Jones AnonymousHeart to Heart workers Jayne & Mike KaylorSusan Huhta Janet StuderMary Kuhner Susan Huhta

In Memory of:Shawn Hannon, KIA 2012 Sharryn & Graham WebbRoseanne Schlatter Tamara WillimottSteve Swepston Jana Relick

Donations to the Parent Retreat Fund

Wendy and Jeff Gomez Mindy Gabriel Erica Carlson

Church Gifts

First row, left to right: Emmy French, Lowell Williams, Patty Wetherbee, Connie Hawk. Second row: Diana Arthur, Nancy Pickett, Sue Wilson, Shirley Bull, Patty Krumm, Jean Brandt. Back row: Nelson French, Dick Pickett, Bill Arthur, Bill Judy, Tom Williams, Bob Gardner, Tom Hawk, and Dick Wetherbee. (Not pictured: Dick Bull)

Easter FlowersHelp decorate First Community Church for Easter with lilies and other spring flowers. Stop by the Worship & Arts table after services on Sundays through April 13, or send a check for $10 for each plant to:

The Worship & Arts CouncilFirst Community Church1320 Cambridge Blvd.Columbus, OH 43212

Donations may also be made online at FCchurch.com on the home page under Ministries/Music.

Place your order by Palm Sunday, April 13. Flowers paid for may be picked up following the 10 am service at the North Campus or the 11:30 am service at the South Campus on Easter Sunday.

Was That A Ghost?Friday, April 4, 7 - 9 pm & Saturday, April 5, 9:30 am - 3:30 pmSouth Campus

Our ancestors believed in ghosts and perhaps they were not far off the mark. So much of daily life is driven by invisible psychic forces, archaic agendas and imperious admonitions and prohibitions - all the more powerful because they operate unconsciously.

What are the features of such “hauntings”, and how might we gain some further foothold on a more conscious conduct of life?

James Hollis, Ph.D., is a Zurich-trained Jungian analyst with a private practice in Houston, Texas. He is the author of fourteen books, most recently Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life, What Matters Most, and Hauntings: Dispelling The Ghosts Who Run Our Lives.

To register, contact the C.G. Jung Association of Central Ohio, at jungcentralohio.org or 614 291.8050

6 April 1 - 3, 2014

Take Heart

–– The Reverend Ms. Deborah Lindsay, Minister of Spiritual CareGlad and Sad and Mad

When I was doing my Clinical Pastoral Education at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, one of my patients was a baby girl who was waiting for a heart transplant that would save her life.

Finally, the wait ended and a heart became available.

Outside her room in the cardiac ICU, there was a palpable sense of energy, anticipation and adrenaline as a huge team of doctors, nurses and other professionals prepared to do the surgery.

Inside her room, it was dark and quiet. Her mother looked at me and said, “This is a miracle for my daughter and I thank God for that, but I’m so sad for the mother whose baby died tonight. I can’t stop thinking about her.”

That was the moment I learned a powerful lesson; we know how to celebrate and we know how to grieve, but we don’t really know how to do them both at the same time.

In the Bible, the book of Ecclesiastes says, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” In the living of our days, the seasons are not so clearly delineated. Spring is a season of transition, not just in nature, but in human life as well.

This is the season of graduations and weddings, a time of beginnings and endings. These transitions are exciting and joyful...and also poignant and sad. The author of the Winnie the Pooh books, A.A. Milne, captures it this way: “By and by Christopher Robin came to an end of things, and he was silent, and he sat there, looking out over the world, just wishing it wouldn’t stop.”

The thing is, we sometimes resist the mix of feelings. One of my closest friends says she even feels a little guilty in the middle of a happy time when she feels “a little blue.” Beware of the “should”: I should be happy. I should be excited. Our human emotions just don’t work like that. We do violence to our deepest essence when we suppress or shut down to feelings because we believe we “shouldn’t” have them. When I introduce pastoral care to new members at First Community Church, I remind them that we cry at weddings and laugh at funerals. We love and support each other through the entire spectrum of human experience.

Finally, a word of advice. If you ever find yourself on the verge of saying to someone, “Don’t be sad,” stop, take a breath and say instead, “I wonder if you’re feeling a little sad about this.” You might also say, “I imagine you’re having all kinds of different feelings right now.” That’s how we open the door to the whole range of emotions we all have and it’s how we hold the Christ-light for each other.

Garage Sale TimeAmazingly, Mission Council’s 19th Annual Garage Sale is already at our doorstep. This event raises money for many worthy endeavors in Columbus and around the world. The list is long, but includes local Habitat for Humanity, Mid-Ohio Foodbank, Heart to Heart, Refugee Resettlement, Godman Guild, and Friends of the Homeless.

It takes an entire week to set things up before the sale and last year well over 300 volunteers participated. We need people to do all kinds of jobs including sorting, organizing, pricing, repairing, lifting (furniture), washing, assembling, measuring, polishing, sizing, cashiering, arranging, directing traffic, hanging signs, assisting customers and cleaning up at the end.

GARAGE SALE WEEK SCHEDULE:

Sunday, May 11 1:30 pm: Table set-up begins 2 pm: Donation drop offs begin

Monday, May 12 8 am - 5 pm: 20+ volunteers

needed to move furniture from our warehouse in Hilliard to the North Campus (Pick-up trucks, trailers and vans welcomed.)

Wednesday, May 14 12 pm: End donations drop offs

Friday, May 16 6:30 pm – 9 pm: Special Preview Sale (Admission $3; prices doubled at

checkout)

Saturday, May 17 8 am – 3 pm: Garage Sale (Free Admission, prices as marked) 3 pm – 8 pm: Clean up

Consider donating supplies such as shopping bags, zip lock bags, masking and packing tape, skirt hangers, or food for our refreshment stand including pop, homemade baked goods, donuts or a bottle of wine for the Preview Sale. We would appreciate a small cash donation to help defray our expenses.

If you have questions, would like to volunteer or schedule a home pick-up of large items, contact Beth Hanson at 614 488.6526 or bethhanson@wowway.com. Information is also available after worship in April and May or posted on FCchurch.com under ‘Missions.’

April 1 - 30, 2014 7

Bollywood Brings Bounty By Kitty Rohrer

On Sunday, February 23, the North Campus was alive with excitement as more than 230 people of all ages gathered for the 2nd Annual Bollywood and Barbeque dinner highlighting the Deep Griha Society in Puné, India.

There was Bollywood dancing taught and later performed by students from the Nalanda School of Dance. The henna painting was a favorite activity resulting in dozens of participants adorned with various decorative designs in the distinctive reddish brown hue of henna.

Dinner was catered by City Barbeque who generously granted us a 15% discount on all the food. Cupcakes were donated by the FCC Mission Council and the Deep Griha USA Board of Trustees.

The evening was humorously emceed by Paul Younger, who with his wife, Susan, spent 3 months several years ago volunteering at Deep Griha. Rev. Deborah Lindsay shared some of her observations of the work and impact of the Deep Griha Society from her several visits to Puné.

Kidwell Brings Griha Home By Kitty Rohrer

Tabitha Kidwell, a member of First Community Church, is now in Puné, India volunteering at Deep Griha. She will return to Columbus later in April and is anxious to share her observations with FCC.

Please plan to join us in Brownlee Hall, Wednesday evening, April 23, to welcome Tabitha home and learn about her work. Watch FCchurch.com and firstnews Sunday for details.

Music School Strikes a Chord With Rafiki Kids By Connie Hieatt

One year after the inception of the Rafiki School of Music, wonderful songs can be heard playing all over the campus. The children have had the opportunity to take private lessons on guitar and keyboard. Two teachers were hired and have been able to effectively teach the children, ages 9-17, to play.

One boy, Brian, age 17, has shown a natural talent as well as the drive to practice daily. He is very fortunate to have a keyboard, guitar, acoustic bass guitar, hand drum and a CD player in his room. He allows the younger students to come and guides them through songs and scales. Brian would one day like to play music in his church. This first year has been a success thanks to the efforts of Dean Jesse Henry. Jesse, a local professional musician and music teacher, has been instrumental in helping to build the School of Music. “Every child participating has shown improvement and is vocal about how much they love playing music,” Dean Henry said after his trip to Rafiki in February.

Goals for the second year are to establish a Rafiki choir that will meet once a week, have musicians perform a public recital and offer affordable small group music lessons, guitar and keyboard, to children paying for private schooling at the Academy.

The children currently involved in the program are thrilled to have an opportunity to play and learn about music. What they are learning now will be part of them for the rest of their lives.

This year marks the 10-year anniversary of First Community Church’s partnership with Rafiki. You can help this most worthy ministry by generously contributing to this month’s special offering on Easter Sunday, April 20.

To learn more about other programs and projects at Rafiki visit RafikiChildrenCenter.org

African AdventureSaturday, June 28, 6 - 8 pm: Family event to raise funds for the Rafiki Children’s Center with special guest, John Nganga, Founder. More details to come.

Offering Benefits Refugees By Barbara Wood

The Special Offering on Easter Sunday will support the work of the Refugee Task Force of First Community Church.

Refugee status or asylum may be granted to people in other countries who have been persecuted or fear they will be persecuted on account of race, religion, nationality, and/or membership in a particular social group or political opinion.

The church has helped refugees by donating hundreds of winter coats which the Task Force distributed to refugees arriving from warmer climates.

The Task Force also helps Community Refugee and Immigration Service (CRIS) acquaint new arrivals with appropriate health programs, assist in applying for social security and in registering children in school, transportation to job interviews and training.

8 April 1 - 3, 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.

RECENTLY HOSPITALIZEDJack BargerHelen ClouseDon EliotHudson “Crosby” Goff Son of John Goff & Jenny FountainTerry Philbin Dick Sims

BIRTHSJoseph Christopher Walkup 2/10/2014 Son of Judi Brannon Walkup & Christopher Walkup Grandson of Joyce Haignere Brannan Levi Samuel Murry 2/11/2014 Son of Abbey & Tony Murry Grey William Gilliland 2/15/2014 Great Grandson of Rev. Susan Day

BAPTISMSSamuel Meredith Zeigler 2/16/2014 Son of Courtney & Tim Zeigler

DEATHSEdward “Ted” Clark Jr. 2/11/2014 Father of Dotsy Griffith & Edward “Ned” Clark IIIRobert Ransom 2/17/2014 Brother of Buss RansomJackie Curtis 2/19/2014 Sister of Jude EndicottBob Thompson 2/20/2014 Brother of Sally PorterfieldPutnam “Put” Pierman 2/21/2014 Husband of Sybil PiermanEdwin Johnston 2/22/2014 Brother of Herb JohnstonGlada Bull 2/23/2014 Mother of Joe BullMolly Smith 2/25/2014Jane Davis 3/2/2014 Mother of Dan DavisNancy Masters 3/3/2014 Mother of John Masters IIJosephine DiSantis 3/5/2014 Grandmother of Missy ObergefellMargaret Gentis 3/6/14 Mother of Linda Larrimer Mark Buchsieb 3/8/2014 Father of Mark Buchsieb, Molly Almeida, & Stacy BuchsiebJohn Michael Patton 3/9/2014 Son of Sarah “Sally” Patton

Let It Be

Earlier this year my wife Clare and I watched a television special that celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. We became nostalgic as we sang along with “I Want to Hold Your Hand” and remembered where we were when we watched the show and how our parents reacted to their “long” hair, which now seems rather “clean cut.” My parents' generation remembered Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra. More recent generations have memories of their own stars and icons.

For us, the coming of the Beatles to America was a significant event. I was in junior high school when the foursome of John, Paul, George and Ringo arrived, the beginning of what was known as the “British Invasion” of such bands as the Rolling Stones, the Dave Clark Five, The Kinks and The Who. We prepared for it by wearing stickers on the back of our “ski jackets” with four “mops” of hair over the phrase “The Beatles Are Coming!” This simple phrase indicated the excitement that was generated by their first American tour. This was just three months after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, a time of deep sadness and grief.

This juxtaposition of joy and sorrow reflected the times, as well as some of the realities of life. The Beatles eventually broke up to pursue individual careers and interests. By the time of the recent TV special, only Paul and Ringo were living. John had been the victim of a senseless shooting death in New York and George had died of cancer. Both deaths were representative of our times. The biographies of the living also reminded us of their humanity. Ringo seemed to have “hit the jackpot” when the band decided to replace their drummer and asked him to join right before they “hit it big” with their first album, “Meet the Beatles.” Paul wrote the song “Let It Be” and sang it on their last album by that name. I learned that it was written about the early death of his mother, Mary, when he was a teenager. In the poignant lyrics and his sweet voice you can hear the grief and the acceptance. He sings that in times of trouble, she comes to him, speaking words of wisdom: Let It Be.

It seems to me that this really is how life is. Much like the sticker with the phrase “The Beatles Are Coming,” John the Baptist announced something much bigger, the coming of one who would make all things new. He would level the uneven places and straighten out the crooked. He would give us life in all its abundance. And yet, Jesus died a criminal’s death, much too young for his followers who were scattered and disheartened. Jesus left them too soon, seemingly with so much that was unfinished. This was tragic. The grief was real. Thus, it was very hard for those disciples simply to let it be. Those words would at most indicate a reluctant resignation, rather than acceptance of such a loss.

However, our scriptures remind us that his death was not the last word. His resurrection and his spirit were let loose in the world, and that has made all the difference for the scattered disciples and for us. Thus, we can continue to look for the in-breaking of God’s kingdom and we can be instruments of God’s love and peace in a world much in need.

We are called to live to the fullest, using our gifts to create and to serve. And when those times of trouble come to us, we can listen to words of wisdom, not with resignation, but with hope in the one who brought eternal life: Let it be.

Peace and blessings,

April 1 - 30, 2014 9

April 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 42:14-21 Colossians 1:9-14 2 Isaiah 60:17-22 Matthew 9:27-34 3 Ezekiel 1:1-3; 2:8--3:3 Revelation 10:1-11 4 Ezekiel 33:10-16 Revelation 11:15-19 5 Ezekiel 36:8-15 Luke 24:44-53 6 (Sunday) Ezekiel 37:1-14 Romans 8:6-11 Psalm 130 John 11:1-45 7 1 Kings 17: 17-24 Acts 20:7-12 8 2 Kings 4:18-37 Ephesians 2:1-10 9 Jeremiah 32:1-9, 36-41 Matthew 22: 23-33 10 1 Samuel 16:11-13 Philippians 1:1-11 11 Job 13:13-19 Philippians 1:21-30 12 Lamentations 3:55-66 Mark 10:32-34 13 (Palm/Passion Sunday) Liturgy of the Palms Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 Matthew 21:1-11 Liturgy of the Passion Isaiah 50:4-9a Philippians 2:5-11 Psalm 31:9-16 Matthew 26:14—27:66 14 Isaiah 42:1-9 Hebrews 9:11-15 Psalm 36:5-11 John 12:1-11 15 Isaiah 49:1-7 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 Psalm 71:1-14 John 12:20-36 16 Isaiah 50:4-9a Hebrews 12:1-3 Psalm 70 John 13:21-32 17 (Maundy Thursday) Exodus 12:1-14 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 John 13:1-17, 31b-35 18 (Good Friday) Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Hebrews 10:16-25 Psalm 22 John 18:1—19:42 19 (Holy Saturday) Job 14:1-14 1 Peter 4:1-8 Psalm 31:1-4, 15-16 Matthew 27:57-66 20 (Easter Sunday) Acts 10:34-43 Colossians 3:1-4 Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 John 20:1-18 21 Exodus 14:10-31; 15:20-21 Colossians 3:5-11 22 Exodus 15:1-18 Colossians 3:12-17 23 Joshua 3:1-17 Matthew 28:1-10 24 Song of Solomon 2:8-15 Colossians 4:2-5 25 Song of Solomon 5:9—6:3 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 26 Song of Solomon 8:6-7 John 20:11-20 27 (Sunday) Acts 2:14a, 22-32 1 Peter 1:3-9 Psalm 16 John 20: 19-31 28 Judges 6:36-40 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 29 Jonah 1:1-17 1 Corinthians 15:19-28 30 Jonah 2:1-10 Matthew 12:38-42

Living Faith AwardsOn Thursday, May 15, The Spirituality Network will host the 23rd Annual Living Faith Award Breakfast from 8 am – 10 am at the Harry C. Moores Center on the campus of Capital University.

With the exception of the Alvin Hadley Social Justice Award, all awards are given to laypersons who exemplify dynamic faith in their lives. The Hadley Award often recognizes a member of the clergy who provides leadership in the area of Social Justice. The individuals who have been selected to be recognized are those who live their faith by inspiring, challenging and serving others in the larger community beyond their immediate congregations. Those who will be honored with the Living Faith Awards are:

Jacques Angelino First Unitarian Universalist ChurchShirley Barker Broad Street Presbyterian ChurchLadonya Brady Potters House, Church of GodConnie Hieatt First Community ChurchPeggy Murphy Madison Christian ChurchBill Pritchett St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic ChurchJeanne Purcell Newman CenterTom White First Community Church

SPECIAL LIVING FAITH AWARDS:Alvin Hadley Social AwardRev. Tim Ahrens First Congregational ChurchInterfaith/Multicultural AwardBangalore Shankar Bharatiya Hindu TempleHope for Today AwardSharon Reed St. Elizabeth Catholic ChurchHope for Tomorrow AwardJudy Smoot St. Alban’s Episcopal Church

The Keynote Speakers will be Don and Nancy Kelly who will speak on the topic of “Living Faith Together”. For further details please visit spiritualitynetwork.org or contact 614 228.8867

Community ForumsJoin the ongoing conversation about the proposed Capital Projects for

South Campus, Camp Akita and the North Campus Sanctuary.

Monday, March 31 at 7 pm Sunday, April 6 at 12:15 pm North Campus South Campus

10 April 1 - 3, 2014

The Infinite Quest

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

Doing Theology in the Multiverse

What is the nature of your God?— John Dominic Crossan

When Neil deGrasse Tyson demonstrated “multiverse theory” on the tv show Cosmos, my wife, Mona, turned to me and said something to the effect of “that blows my mind.” Yep. Me too.

Giordano Bruno was burned at the stake for positing the existence of a plurality of worlds in the 17th century (!), so I guess it’s always been a hard theory for the mind to grasp. And, it raises

questions of what we mean by “God” and what this idea does in the world, according to Mary-Jane Rubenstein, author of Worlds Without End: The Many Lives of the Multiverse.

Going beyond the age-old image of “God” as the “all-powerful, disembodied, humanoid, male—and fundamentally beyond ‘creation’”—creator of the universe, what would it mean instead “to call the creativity internal to our complex, symbiotic multiverse ‘divine?’”

What would it mean politically, ethically, and ecologically, she asks, to say that the cosmo- and biodiversity that constantly brings forth new worlds and forms is what we mean by “God”?

Larry Rasmussen, emeritus professor of social ethics at Union Theological Seminary has an answer in Earth-Honoring Faith from the Winter 2014 Tikkun:

The God-talk [i.e., theology] of Earth-healing faith would take into account all 13.8 billion years of the universe. It would enfold all things great and small, bright and beautiful, in, under, and on the Earth. ….

Earth-honoring God-talk would also express a fundamental ‘consent to being’ as the overriding stance of Earth-healing faith. ‘Consent to being’ is a trust that plants our lives in that arena apart from which we could and would not be: planetary nature together with the cosmos and its God. It also plants our lives in soil that is native to most religions: the soil of birth and rebirth, death and renewal, the phoenix shaking off its own ashes, creation and its redemption. ‘Consent to being’ is a basic trust in the triumph of life, its continuation and renewal in God.

His use of the word “God” here is equivalent to the “creativity internal to our complex, symbiotic multiverse ‘divine,’” and leads to something beyond even social justice—what Rasmussen calls a “spirit of creation justice.” Creation justice means that moral claims are put upon us for the health of the “generative elements of all life: earth, air, fire (energy), and water.”

When Jesus told Pilate “my kingdom is not of this world,” the this world he was speaking of was Rome’s world built on violence and exploitation. This was John Dominic Crossan’s message to us last month. But when we participate in creation justice we participate in Jesus’ kingdom, the here-and-now kingdom of God that includes the metaphysical quality of transcendence, what we might call “God.” Thus, in words reminiscent of Dom Crossan, Rasmussen concludes his moving essay, saying:

This is transcendence that resists the drag of normalcy and possesses sufficient freedom and creativity to nurture possibilities not imagined in present habits of thought.

It is only such transcendence that ever allows us “to think outside the box.”

Shalom,

Avery Solomon Presents ‘Inspired Action and Non-Action’Thursday, April 10 – 7 pmBrownlee Hall, South Campus

In the New Testament, Jesus speaks four short words that sum up the entire way of inspired Action: “Thy will be done.”

The Upanishads say it this way: “Thou are the knower, thou are the creator.” Yet Buddha’s last words were ”Be A Lamp Unto Yourselves.” And the Gita says, “Better is one’s own dharma than the dharma of another.”

In this lecture, Avery Solomon, PhD, speaks on “resolving the really big debate on self-responsibility and God’s Will,” with comments on these questions:

• How can I come to awareness of, and oneness with, My real Being?

• How do we align our own will with the Cosmic Will?

• How do we take responsibility as conscious participants in the universal matrix?

• What is “our own dharma?”

• How do we live fully present in the moment; assimilate what is here and now, and then move on?

Avery is a long-time friend of the church and popular speaker. He is a founding member of Wisdom’s Goldenrod Center for Philosophic Studies and an international teacher of the philosophic life. Visit Dr. Solomon’s website at averysolomon.com.

A free-will offering will be taken to support this and other programs of Philosopher’s Center. Registration is not required. For information call Linda or Charles Baldeck at 614 459.0722

April 1 - 30, 2014 11

Weekly Adult Learning GroupsClasses are free except where noted and open to the public. Books used for classes are available after Sunday Worship at both campuses at the Spiritual Searcher/Adult Education table & at the North Campus reception desk. 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 NorthSundays in April will continue to focus on the Cultural Literacy for Religion: Everything the Well-Educated Person Should Know video series. These are 30 minute video lectures by Professor Mark Berkson of Hamline University on traditions like Shinto, Daoism, Judaism, and Sikhs. No advance preparation necessary and there is an open discussion period after each video. Facilitated by Walter Watkins, Adult Education Coordinator.

Sundays, 9 – 9:50amRoom 115, North Campus

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. See description above.

Sundays, 9:30 – 10:45amWicker Room, South Campus

Tuesday at TenWalter Watkins will lead the class on April 1 and 8; Pete and Pidge Diehl will lead on April 15 and 22. All sessions will deal with Bishop Spong’s interpretation of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus as they are depicted in the Gospel of John. Source materials: Spong’s The Fourth Gospel, Tales of a Jewish Mystic, Chapters 25-32 and Gospel of John, Chapters 19-21 (your favorite translation of the Bible). You will need a copy of the book, as well as any version of the Bible that you prefer for this journey.

Tuesdays, 10 – 11:30 amWicker Room, South Campus

Tuesday PM: On God’s Side Our weekly evening discussion group led by Adult Education Coordinator Walter Watkins continues discussion of the Wallis’ book On God’s Side: What Religion Forgets and Politics Hasn't Learned about Serving the Common Good. Discuss those twin taboos of “religion” and “politics”, and how together they might restore our common good. Open to all. Email njones@fcchurch.com to get a copy of the book.

Tuesdays, 7 – 8:15 pmRoom 125, North Campus

Men’s Study GroupCurrent study: Paul's letter to the Romans. Contact Price Finley at 614 488.7978/pfinley@bricker.com, or Craig Sturtz at 614 481.9060/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 Questions In our quest for “What Really Matters”, the group is viewing a series of videos by various teachers, including people like Eckhart Tolle, who explains the concept of living in the Now. A work of fiction is being considered for future study. Any woman who wishes is welcome to join this on-going group. Bring your wonderful self, your wisdom and spirit of inquiry. Contact Cara Shary at carashary@columbus.rr.com or 614.459.3691 if you have any questions.

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

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 April 1 - 3, 2014

Mirabai Starr Speaks to Heart’s Wisdom By Barbara Davis, Spiritual Director

In her book, God of Love, Mirabai Starr counsels us when facing life challenges, “Don’t do anything fancy. Rest in your groundlessness and witness what happens.”

“Be willing not to know. See if the God of Love shows up when you fire all the other gods. The gods you put in boxes bar you from your

way to the Infinite. Let them go.”

Mirabai is an incredibly brilliant translator of the mystics of many religious traditions and a devout practitioner of spiritual disciplines from many paths that inform her life. She is equally able to bring alive these nuggets of sacred wisdom and practice into our lives today and apply them to the practical dilemmas that challenge us.

Her life story of radical devotion to her own spiritual yearnings and unfolding coupled with tragic losses in her life combine to make her a remarkable mentor for living in and through everything, urging us to open to the Holy as we act as non-judgmental witness to every experience in our path.

As the next Spiritual Searcher in our 25th Anniversary year, Mirabai Starr will present One Love: The Interspiritual Quest on Friday, June 6, 7 pm, and Bees in the Garden: An Experiential Workshop in Cultivating Interspiritual Nature on Saturday, June 7, 9 am – 3:30 pm.

For more information or to register, visit FCchurch.com/starr. Discounted fees are available through May 5.

Unique Abstractions in Brownlee HallThe Worship and Arts Council presents a show of unique watercolor art during April and May in the Brownlee Gallery, South Campus. Artist David Castle creates watermedia art infused with unexpectedly rich and vivid colors. His art is inspired by the variety of mountain and urban terrain discovered throughout his extensive travels in North America and Europe. He creates abstract paintings from his exposure to the colors and shapes of these very different places – both real and imagined.

David also incorporates rich watercolor metallic paints that highlight his unique abstractions. He has studied with a variety of artists in North America and Europe.

David has completed a variety of large-scale commissions for private collections throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and England.

Book Group “The most common one-liner in the Bible is, “Do not be aftraid.” Someone counted, and it occurs 365 times.”

—Falling Upward, A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life

Since its release in 2011, this book by contemporary theologian Fr. Richard Rohr has been the focus of a number of book studies at First Community Church. Whether you’ve read it already or are just picking it up now, you are welcome to join our discussion.

ElderWisdom is a book discussion group that meets every other month to discuss books that focus on the spiritual aspects of aging. Missy Obergefell, Director of Older Adult Ministry, facilitates the group as participants share insights gained and inspiring excerpts. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at Furber Books.

The next gathering will take place on Wednesday, April 30, at 1 pm in the Older Adult meeting space on the second floor of the South Campus. Even if you’ve attended in the past, please contact Kathy Weatherby, Older Adult Ministry Administrative Assistant, at 614 488.0681 ext. 239.

Women’s Guild By Jill Eliot

Fashion Fling - “Gardens, flowers and fashion have a way of bringing people together, drawing them from their homes,” and that will occur on May 10 from 11:30 am - 2 pm, when the Women’s Guild celebrates the Spring Event at the Brookside Country Club.

The Guild will partner with the Tri-Village Trading Post for an afternoon of fashion. This will be a special way to mark Mother’s Day weekend. Both members and non-members of the Guild are invited to attend. In addition, the ladies are encouraged to bring a guest to the event. Strolling the garden path with beautiful clothing from the Trading Post will be models from the Women’s Guild.

Lunch includes grand penne and fettuccini pasta bar and a mixed greens salad buffet. Dessert will be ice cream with a variety of toppings. There will be free valet parking. Tickets cost $28 and are available at the Women’s Guild table after services in April.

Open House - The “Getting to Know Us” Open House at Auddino’s in February was a successful event. As a result, a new daytime group is being organized. The Auddino’s staff helped everyone have a grand time.

Super Senior - Estelle Scott received the 2013 Super Senior Award from the City of Upper Arlington for her volunteer activities in the community. Estelle is a hard worker and her award was well deserved. Estelle is our Membership Chairperson.

April 1 - 30, 2014 13

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

Preschool Openings for FallFall, 2014 classes still have room for 3 and 4-year-old children in our excellent part-time Preschool at South Campus. Available classes include:

Tuesday and Thursday for 3-year-olds, either until 11:30 or until 1 pm, bringing lunch

Monday, Wednesday and Friday for 4 and young 5-year-olds, 9 - 11:30

Twogether class for two-year-olds with a parent or caregiver,

Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:15 - 11:15 am

For information or a tour, call Donice Wooster or Patti Link at 614 488.0681. Registration is also available online at FCchurch.com/preschool-registration

Mary Evans Center Openings This summer, we can welcome children in grades Kindergarten through second-grade for full or part-time placement into our Summer School Age program.

This is a fun and educational program with a focus on nature experiences and includes weekly field trips and plenty of time to make friends.

This fall, we are continuing to enroll 3, 4 and 5-year-olds into our preschool and full-day Kindergarten. Our small nature-based Kindergarten is a wonderful place for any child that will be 5 years old by September 30, especially the child that may be young for a larger traditional classroom but is ready for a full-day experience.

For information or to schedule a tour, contact Jamy Zambito, 614 777.4099 ext. 1 or jzambito@fcchurch.com

Parent Groups for April For Dads Only will meet Tuesday, April 8 at 7 pm. Topic: Social development from early childhood into later childhood, including gender considerations For Moms Only will meet Monday, April 14 (second Monday this month) at 7 pm Parent Growth meets on Monday mornings, 9:30 - 11 am April 7 Taking care of yourself; what does it mean now? April 14 Siblings and only children April 21 NO SESSION, church closed April 28 Personality and Parenting Child care is available during Parent Growth for $4/child, and there is a $5 fee per session for parents.

Into the Fold By Rebecca Wolfe, Tri-Village Trading Post

For many years Tri-Village Trading Post was thought of as a separate entity in the South Campus Annex, out of sight-out of mind for most of our congregation. As a worshipper at North Campus, I found few knew what Trading Post was or that it even existed. As of January 1 Trading Post became an official self-funded arm of the church just as Heart to Heart, Akita and Mary Evans Center. We have a mission of serving not only the community with our sale of goods, but also giving back to the ministry of the church and to our wider missions. This year the volunteer work force voted to make Friends of the Homeless our special mission project and part of our profits will go to them.

We are a part of the fold – part of the FCC family and seek to have a reciprocal relationship that benefits all. Please continue to remember us as you have donations to give and come for a visit – we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised and proud to call us a mission of your church.

14 April 1 - 3, 2014

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, Whitechapel Ringers

8:30 am • Burkhart Chapel, SC - Rev. Long preaching8:30 am • Grace Hall, NC - Dr. Wing preaching10 am • Grace Hall, NC - Dr. Wing preaching Youth Bell Choir 1, Kindergarten & Cherub Choirs11 am • Sanctuary, SC - Dr. Wing preaching Chancel Choir

8:30 am • Burkhart Chapel, SC - Rev. Long preaching

10 am • Sanctuary, SC - Dr. Wing preaching Chancel Choir & Brass

11:30 am • Sanctuary, SC - Dr. Wing preaching Chancel Choir & Brass

8:30 am • Grace Hall, NC - Dr. Wing preaching Chancel Choir & Brass

10 am • Grace Hall, NC - Rev. Shaner preaching

CHURCH CLOSED MONDAY, APRIL 21

8:30 am • Burkhart Chapel, SC - Rev. Shaner preaching8:30 am • Grace Hall, NC - Dr. Wing preaching10 am • Grace Hall, NC - Dr. Wing preaching Youth Bell Choir 2, MS/HS Vocal Ensemble11 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

A indicates Usher assignments.

B

C

A

A Month of Sundays

PALM/PASSION SUNDAY

B

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13

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27 YOUTH CELEBRATION SUNDAY

COMMUNITY FORUM (12:15 pm, SC)

2014 Akita 5KFor 64 years, Camp Akita has been a place of powerful, positive transformations for our campers. Countless lives have been changed by spending a week focusing on strengthening our relationship with God, self, others and nature. We believe that every child should be able to benefit from Camp Akita regardless of their financial situation.

With that goal in mind, our church community started an Akita scholarship fund many years ago. We now award approximately $15,000 annually in scholarships.

This financial assistance has helped church members, members of our community and refugee families from around the world send their children to Camp Akita to hear our church’s message of a loving God.

Please help support our scholarship fund by participating in this year’s Camp Akita 5K and Family Fun Run. This great family-friendly event has raised $10,000 for our scholarship fund the past couple of years. We are hoping to raise $15,000 this year, but we can’t do it without your help.

You can sign up to run or walk a 5K or sign up as a three-person relay team where each member completes a 1-mile leg. We have a 1-mile Kids Fun Run, inflatable bouncy toys and lots of Akita-style fun. If you don’t want to participate in the run, you can still support us by being an event sponsor or by making a general donation.

For more information or to register as a participant, sponsor or volunteer, visit campakita.org/akita5k.

The 2014 Akita 5K will be held on Sunday, April 27 at Fred Beekman Park on The Ohio State University campus. Check-in will begin at 12:15 pm, the children’s Fun Run starts at 1 pm and the Akita 5K will begin at 1:15 pm.

High School Graduates to be HonoredPlease join us at the 10 am worship service on Sunday, April 27 for an experience that will celebrate our youth.We will recognize and bless our high school seniors as they graduate this spring. We encourage youth and their families to attend this service.

Easter Sunday

April 1 - 30, 2014 15

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firstnewsFirst Community Church1320 Cambridge BoulevardColumbus, OH 43212

Dated Material : Do Not Delay

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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

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