December First Church News 2013 First Congregational Church Vol. 161, United Church of Christ No. 12 Columbus, Ohio “Enter to Worship – Depart to Serve’’
Genealogy of Grace: How Our Christian Story Actually Holiday and Worship Begins Schedule for the By The Rev. Timothy C. Ahrens, Senior Minister Advent/Christmas ([email protected]) Season at
On Sunday, December 1st, we enter a First Church new year of Christian faith. The year changes. The seasons change. The Sunday, December 1, 9 & 11 a.m. colors change. The music changes. Worship services for Advent I The message changes as Isaiah gets 9 am – Noon - Hanging of the Greens (pg. 6) clear and declares - Immanuel, “God With Us,” is Coming Soon! Sunday, December 8, 9 & 11 a.m. Worship services for Advent II But, what are missing the first chapter of the new Cookie Mission – Large Conference Room (pg. 5) covenant. We cannot find the Genealogy of Matthew’s gospel anywhere in our readings. I have always found Sunday, December 8, 4 p.m. this odd. Where are the 17 verses of the 42 generations A Festival of Lessons and Carols (pg. 5) that proceed the Messiah’s arrival? Prelude begins promptly at 3:30 p.m.
In the Hebrew Bible, genealogies are everywhere to be Sunday, December 15, 9 & 11 a.m. found. We track generations, families, and faith through Worship services for Advent III genealogies. In the practice of Jewish faith, the 6-7:30 p.m. - Children’s Christmas Play and Dinner genealogical readings from the Torah are not hidden, left (pg. 15) behind or forgotten. They are embraced. They are read. They are studied. They are claimed. Sunday, December 22, 9 & 11 a.m. Worship services for Advent IV What can be found – or not found – in Matthew 1 that 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. – Christmas Caroling (pg. 6) will teach us more about our faith? Tuesday, December 24 Here are all the names we seem to skip over every year 3:00 p.m. – Family Christmas Eve Service – Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah and his brothers (who 7:30 p.m. – Christmas Eve Service including are unnamed), Perez, Zerah, whose mother was Tamar, the Drama of the Nativity (pg. Hezron, Ram, Amminadab, Nahshon, Salmon, Boaz, 10:30 p.m. – Nativity Concert for Oboe, Harp and Rahab, Obed, Ruth, Jesse, King David, Solomon (whose Choir mother had been Uriah’s wife), Rehoboam, Abijah, Asa, 11:00 p.m. – Candlelight Christmas Eve Service Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah, Manasseh, Amon, Josiah, Jeconiah Sunday, December 29, 9 & 11 a.m. The First Sunday of Christmas A Community Festival of Lessons and Carols at 11 Inside From the Pastors – 1-6 Birthdays – 16 Sunday, January 5, 9 & 11 a.m. News – 5-18 Anniversaries – 16 Worship services for the Second Sunday of Christian Ed – 8-9 Calendar - 17 Christmas Music – 10-12 Prayers - 18
From the Pastors
God’s saving grace does matter. Remember Matthew 1. and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon, Here you will find the genealogical grace of God alive Shealtiel, Zerubbabel, Abihud, Eliakim, Azor, Zadok, and well. Akim, Elihud, Eleazar, Matthan, Jacob, Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus Blessings to you during Advent and Christmas. who is called the Messiah. Maybe we skip them because By Rev. Tim Ahrens the pastors and lay liturgists of every Christian church are too frightened to stumble through each name and First Church has a new Office their relationships to all the other names. Manager! Behind each name is a story. As with any genealogy, Rev. Tim Ahrens and Rev. Dr. Janine Wilson there are strong and weak branches on this family tree. There are poets, warriors, dreamers and deliverers as Ms. Jaclyn Hamilton is our new office manager. She will well as scoundrels, murderers, thieves, and adulterers – begin December 2, 2013. She is not a stranger to First some of these names carry both the darkness and light Church. Jaclyn and her parents attended First of human nature – King David embodies all these traits. Congregational Church during the ministry of The Rev. Dr. Chalmers Coe. As a toddler, she attended preschool In the tongue twisting genealogy of Jesus, we have a in the Downtown Preschool. Following her studies at message of salvation by grace. “There but by the grace the Kansas City School of Art and Design, she worked at of God, go I,” we sometimes say in these 42 names we Columbus College of Art and Design. While there, she have all the makings of sin and salvation; of judgment attended the CCAD Freshman Convocation at First and forgiveness, of the mighty Grace of God at work in Church as an Admissions Officer. We are excited that this world. One of the mysteries of Matthew’s genealogy she has more than ten years of progressive experience are the missing and the present women of faith. Missing in the arts administration field, in addition to serving as are Sarah, Rebekah, and Rachel, but present are Social Media Manager, designing promotional materials, Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba and of course managing social media sites, creating flyers and Mary. The missing are rocks of faith. The present are postcards, working with graphics files and possessing a prostitutes, seducers, outsiders and a teenage girl. Why gentle sense of faith and joy in life. We are excited to one list and not the other? Is this Matthew’s way of welcome Jaclyn to our Church staff. identifying Jesus with sinners as well as saints? Absolutely! We want to say thank you to Jennifer Forsberg. Jennifer in currently serving as our Temporary Office Manager. This is a genealogy of Grace. While it is important to She will stay with us a little while longer, to assist in a see the men and women in the line of faith from which smooth transition for Jaclyn. Thank you Jennifer for Jesus came, it is also important to connect all the bringing your welcoming spirit and presence to First generations since his birth to this present day. What do I Church! We are grateful you will be with us a little while mean? Years ago, I was in Rome at Santa Sabina, the longer as we move into our next transition. church of St. Dominic. On the walls of the offices, there were photos and drawings of all the Dominican Priors During our search process, we were delighted to receive from Dominic to the year of our Lord, 2004. Then, there 84 resumes for the position of Office Manager of First was a mirror. Under the mirror was the question, “will Church. Many of the applicants were excellent you be the next Prior of the Dominican Order?” As only candidates. We have been truly blessed in this God would have it, I was standing next to Sr. Margaret process. Working with our Moderator, Administration Ormond when looking in that mirror. It was her face I Commissioner, and in consultation with the Personnel saw beside mine. Today, she is the prioress of the Committee, we read each application and were able to Dominican Sisters of Peace, based in Columbus, Ohio – move through this process with purpose and focus. We with whom I am an Associate. She is my prioress. spoke with multiple candidates and our church staff engaged in part of the interview process with the four As you step into Advent 2013, take a look at Matthew 1 finalists. Thank you to all of you who brought forward and take a look in the mirror. Look up the people in great names and candidates. Thanks also go to Sharon OUR genealogical line. They are sisters and brothers in Leidheiser who posted our job opening on Monster.com faith. We are connected to ALL of them through Christ through The Columbus Dispatch. Jesus our Lord. Take a look in the mirror. God wants to know who you are and how you will live this magnificent As Jaclyn begins, we hope you will make time to faith in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ. Your welcome her to the staff of First Church. pedigree doesn’t matter to God. But, how you live into
2 From the Pastors
Capital Campaign – “The Future’s Some other highlights from recent months include the installation of new carpeting on the 1st floor of the Broadening Way” Approaches Education Wing, irrigation of the west lawns, installation December 2013 end date… of a new fence, and new paint throughout the church by Rev. Tim Ahrens – [email protected] interior.
After three years of giving, our Capital Campaign is We are currently in contract with Centennial nearing its conclusion. There are four more weeks Preservation to re-point the masonry around the exterior remaining in our three year campaign. We need of the chancel, which began earlier this month. This re- everyone to step up and meet their projected giving pointing project represents the beginning of a commitments by December 31, 2013. If you have comprehensive, long-term plan to repair masonry joints already finished your gift, “thank you!” If you would like all over the exterior of the building. to give more, GREAT! We will gladly receive gifts beyond your goals. If you never made a pledge to the Upcoming projects include sound system upgrades in Capital Campaign but would like to contribute the sanctuary, steam trap replacements related to the something, we are open to your great giving! If you boiler system and ongoing restoration of plastered and project falling short of your giving goal by December 31, painted surfaces throughout. All of these investments in 2013, please let Sharon Leidheiser or Bev Cook know House & Grounds will pay dividends long into the future, this. They can be reached in the main office – 614-228- allowing the church to continue supporting its missions 1741, Ext. 11 or [email protected]. The and to serve the congregation and surrounding committee needs to project the giving still arriving after community for a long time to come. the end date. Thanks for all you have done to make the church more beautiful through your generosity. You For that, we thank you. have opened the future’s Broadening Way on the Corner of Cleveland and Broad! Thanks to you, our future looks “Thank You” from the Whole Staff brighter every single day. God bless you all! By Rev. Tim Ahrens
House & Grounds As the year comes to a close, I would like to say “thank By Thomas Luff you” on behalf of all the staff of First Church. You, the members and friends of First Church make this a place As December comes into view and we turn this final to work and serve God in the heart of this great city. On corner of 2013, we have much to be thankful for. the edge of Thanksgiving, each of us stops and we give Through the generosity of our members and the wisdom thanks for you! of our church leaders, we continue to make significant improvements to this house of worship, from top to On a personal note: Thank you for calling me to be your bottom, inside and out. Perhaps most significant is the Senior Minister on November 19, 1999. I have now Jeffrey Window. Removed in 2012 by Willet-Hauser, the spent half of my ministerial years as your pastor. Susan window returned just in time for Legacy Sunday after and I never dreamed that you would be such an amazing spending nine months of restoration at Willet’s studios in community of faith in which to raise our children, grow in Minnesota. Progress was also made on the plaster faith and walk this path of faith in joy and justice. We are repairs in the chancel, adjacent to the Jeffrey Window. so blessed by each and every one of you. Thank you for These repairs are roughly 80% complete, with the being who you are as we venture forward on this journey remainder to be worked on in early 2014, along with of life and faith. painting of the chancel walls. Dug Ahrens sends Santa and all First
Church Christmas kisses. Another major project where we have seen some headway is door restoration. Ralph Fallon Builders removed, rebuilt and refinished the west narthex doors this summer. They are currently in midst of restoring the west cross aisle door, which should return before the end of the year. Once those doors are complete, Fallon will undertake the restoration of the East 9th Street door, which will require significant rebuilding and security upgrades.
3 From the Pastors
Upcoming Sermons Great Ohioan - Bill Willis An Advent/Christmas Sermon Series Honored at Statehouse! “The Salvation of the Lord” by Rev. Tim Ahrens
Buckeyes and Browns Football Great and a Great December 1 - Advent I Member of First Church for 43 years has been Preacher: Rev. Dr. Wilson recognized at the Ohio Statehouse for this status as one Communion Meditation: “War No More” of 29 Great Ohioans! Bill was one of three men who Texts: Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122, broke the color barrier in professional football in the fall Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:36-44 of 1946. Bill's exhibition has just opened. You can find it on the ground floor of the Statehouse, off the Third December 8 - Advent II Street entrance, in a showcase just west of the map Preacher: Rev. Ahrens room and the gift shop. It is located where the exhibition Sermon: “Stumped no More” for Washington Gladden was from April-September. Texts: Isaiah 11:1-10, Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19; Romans Gladden and Willis are the only two central Ohio 15:4-13; Matthew 3:1-12 members of the Great Ohioans. Both were members of First Church. This is really cool! The Exhibition will run December 15 - Advent III through March, 2014. It is worth a special trip to see. Preacher: Rev. Ahrens Here is a link that can take you the exhibition. Sermon: “Homecoming for the Holidays” http://www.ohiosenate.gov/oelslager/press/william-bill- Texts: Isaiah 35: 1-10; Luke 1:47-55; James 5:7-10; willis-pro-football-hall-of-fame-exhibit-at-statehouse Matthew 11:2-11
December 22 - Advent IV Preacher: Rev. Ahrens Sermon: “A Child Refusing Evil, Choosing Good” Texts: Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Romans 1:1- 7; Matthew 1:18-25
December 24 – Christmas Eve – 3:00pm, 7:30pm and 11pm 3:00pm - Family Christmas Service 7:30pm – The Pageant of the Nativity “The Salvation of the Lord,” preacher: Rev. Ahrens 11:00pm - Candlelight Communion “On Us Light Has Shined,” preacher: Rev. Ahrens Texts: Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1- 20
December 29 – Christmas I 9:00am – Service of Communion, Rev. Wilson preaching 11:00am – a Community Service of Lessons and Carols
4 From the Pastors
Interfaith Service in Memory of the Homeless By Rev. Tim Ahrens Save the date for
The Annual Interfaith Memorial Service to Celebrate the Lessons and Carols! Lessons and Carols is coming earlier this year. The date Lives of Homeless and Formerly Homeless People Who Died in Central Ohio in 2013 (sponsored by The will be Sunday, December 8, at 4 p.m. Prelude music will Columbus Coalition for the Homeless) will be held on begin at 3:30 and the service will be broadcast live on Thursday, December 19, 2013 from 6:30-7:30pm at WOSU as in past years. Mark your calendars now and Trinity Episcopal Church (Southeast Corner of S. Third plan to arrive early for a good seat. St. and E. Broad St.).
The keynote speaker for the evening will be Dr. Laura Stivers, author of “Disrupting Homeless; Alternative Cookie Mission – Christian Approaches.” Creating a social movement to Spread The Joy! address homelessness is the goal of her thoughtful analysis of how communities of faith can respond to the Sunday, December 8th tragedy of homelessness across our nation. She is a Donate to Shut-ins of First strong advocate for empowering the people who are Church and Missions in Our experiencing this tragedy in the work of finding solutions. Community
Also featured on the program at the Memorial Service Help those less fortunate and shut-in members of First will be the Ridgeview Middle School Choir, along with Church enjoy some holiday cheer by providing offerings from representatives of the Buddhist, Islamic Christmas cookies and/or goodies. Christmas is a time and Jewish faiths. for giving to others and this is one simple method church members can give back to the community. You can The reading of the names of those who have died, the bake, help prepare packages for delivery or deliver. ringing of the steeple bell and lighting of candles in their memory will be the focal point of the service. If interested simply call the office indicating how you would like to help. Here’s how you can help: Dr. Stivers will also be conducting a workshop earlier in the day from 2:00 - 3:30pm at the First Unitarian Bake 4-dozen cookies/candies and delivery by Universalist Church in Clintonville (93 W. Weisheimer) 10 am to the large conference room. entitled “From Charity to Community: Addressing Prepare cookies for delivery (meet at 10 am in Homelessness.” How can churches, faith groups and large conference room) ecumenical organizations address homelessness in a Deliver cookies to a shut-in (after 11 am service) way that promotes hospitality and justice? Often our compassionate and well-meaning responses to homelessness are based on dominant ideologies that are not empowering for those we serve, and confined to charity that does not challenge societal oppression and inequality. In this workshop, Dr. Laura Stivers will share highlights from her book and engage participants in conversation about the ideologies we assume and ways that we might approach homelessness differently.
All are invited to attend both of these events!
All of this is made possible by a generous anonymous donation and special sponsorship by Methodist Theological School in Ohio.
For questions contact [email protected]
5 From the Pastors
December Challenge Great News! The next Inquirers/New Members class is set By the Rev. Dr. Janine Wilson, for Monday, December 9th Associate Minister ([email protected]) from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Parlor.
I have a challenge for you this month To reserve your space or receive more – give serious consideration to information, please contact become or assign someone else, to be this year’s “photo Rev. Janine Wilson at documentarian.” It doesn’t require a fancy camera. There is no makeup required. You are not going to 614 228-1741, ext 21 submit your work in hope of earning a Nobel Prize; nor is or sign up below. it designed to be sold to a movie studio. Keeping these in mind will make your documentary easier. Name: ______Photographer Darlene Hildebrandt posted six great tips and insights on the Digital Photography School website. She shares that documentary “happens naturally… Telephone: ______captures the person’s essence…and details” And additionally reminds us: to take shots for background for email: ______a book or album…not every photo needs to show their face…create a story with images, leave a legacy.”i I think it is also a way to honor the past, present and future of God’s amazing plan for us to be blessed to be a blessing as we challenge ourselves in the process and content and then later when we enjoy the new creation as well as share it, or pass it along. (Hmm, a nice Upcoming Events Christmas present could be in the making here… ) Many, if not all of us, have experienced the death of December 1st – First Sunday of Advent – It’s time for people and places we love. Where do you think of are the Hanging of the Greens! Come join the festivities in there parks and schools you may have once gone to for the sanctuary and/or the Large Conference Room. We learning and play? Do you remember what your need 6 people to assist with the placement of wreaths grandmother’s cookies looked and smelled like? Think of and bows in the sanctuary and on the doors of the what it is like to try to describe these to others. Now, church AND everyone is welcome to make Christmas start thinking about what you would like to see with Cards for BOBS in the Church Library following 9 a.m. similar images down the road. What will take you there worship and in the Large Conference Room following with your eyes? What will help you remember, pray, 11 a.m. worship. celebrate and even ‘cry for happy’? If you take this challenge, in the end you will have created a legacy of December 6th First Friday – Young Adult Ministry – ‘theography’ (a word my husband Matthew created.) - We will meet downstairs in the church kitchen You will have a folder, a word of God, a book filled with (connected to Parish Hall) to bake, sample and give images of God and faith made visible – right before your cookies for holiday mission project! Cookie batter, milk very eyes, created with your imagination and plan. Get and coffee will be provided, but if you have a favorite the family involved – many hands make light work, right? recipe let Rev. Janine know so supplies can be on Pool your pictures and cameras. And then what? Well, I hand. hope you will bring or send it, or a note of your experience in the creating of it to me to share. I would December 22nd –Christmas Caroling – Good Cheer love to see what the smiles, tears, Christmas trees, tiny Opportunity for everyone! Be sure to make time to hands, wrinkled hands, colorful shoes, worn out slippers, spread the joy of Christmas with Rev. Tim and Rev. favorite card and board games, backyard swings, fields Janine! The first opportunity will be immediately of winter wheat, snowpersons, cookies, cupboards and following worship. Rev. Janine will have a light lunch turkeys look like. I know that together we will catch more ready in the church parlor following 11 a.m. worship. than just a glimpse of the glory of God right there with We will go to Westminster at 12:30. Rev. Tim will meet us. We are created to be creating. I look forward to your his carolers in the Church Parlor at 4 p.m. – hot cocoa call. and marshmallows will be awaiting you before you With joy, Rev. Janine serenade down the streets of Columbus!
6 First Church News
Bethlehem On Broad Street Bethlehem On Broad Street Needs (B.O.B.S.) Volunteers Celebrations 2013 Project HELP needs Help! There are lots of different ways to mark the holiday season. But for many of those who have participated on Project Help, one of the three units of Bethlehem on our yearly ecumenical fellowship, there is no better way Broad Street, relies on volunteers to carry out its mission to celebrate the birth of Christ than through Bethlehem of providing clothing, toys, toiletries and food items to on Board Street. As we move into the coldest part of the over 200 families in need this year on Saturday, year, there are many families and individuals with deep December 7. The giveaway will be held at the and immediate needs for food and clothing. This is McKendree United Methodist Church on Cleveland particularly true in today’s troubled economy. Avenue from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
On Saturday, December 7, 2013 food, gently used A great need is for able bodied volunteers to assist clothes, toys and school supplies will be distributed by at two critical times: Project Help Clothing Ministry from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at McKendree United Methodist Church, 3330 Cleveland the transport of items from the west side warehouse to Avenue. Sandy Watters-Holley at (614) 475-9615 to the McKendree church on Saturday, November 30 donate or to volunteer. between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 P.M. especially of clothing on hangers in appropriate personal vehicles On Saturday, December 14, 2013, over 1200 food boxes with gift certificates for perishable foods will be given out the teardown of the giveaway, repacking of items and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Broad Street United relocation to specific church areas from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Methodist Church, 501 E. Broad Street. David Benson is Saturday, December 7 the general coordinator. Call 614-228-4571. If you can help during either of these times please On Christmas Day Wednesday, December 25, 2013 the contact Mary Day Fewlass of First Congregational Christmas Celebration of Jesus’ birthday will be Church at 614 257-0866 or [email protected]. Your celebrated at the First Congregational Church. The help will be greatly appreciated. doors will open at 8:30 a.m. At 9 a.m. we will have our traditional Christmas Service followed by dinner being served from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There will be hospitality, caroling, entertainment, gifts, toiletries, children activities and free phone calls. There will be no carry-out meals.
TO VOLUNTEER OR DONATE, PLEASE CALL: 228-7338 or E-MAIL: [email protected] AFTER DEC. 2. Arlene Reynolds, Coordinator and Andrea Moore Volunteer Room Coordinator For online information contact bethlehemonbroadstreet.com
7 Christian Education
Planning for Advent season. This project is being led by Susan Rhoads. Be By Mark S. Williams, Christian sure to visit the youth exhibit.
Education Director ([email protected]) We are pleased to offer a 45 minute Christmas Eve Service at 3 pm for our congregation. The first service on Advent is here and we want to make Christmas Eve is at 3 p.m. The Christmas story will be sure you and your children/youth don’t told by readers and by children and many Christmas miss all the wonderful activities and carols are included in this service, which will be early resources First Church is providing News enough to celebrate Christmas, return home still in during Advent. We encourage and invite all our families daylight, enjoy Christmas dinner with family and friends, to participate in this wonderful season. and tuck the little ones in bed at a decent hour.
Advent resources for children, families and adults are The Christmas Pageant will once again be presented by now available at the entrance to the worship space and the youth on Christmas Eve at the 7:30 p.m. service. in classrooms. An Advent Children’s Activities This long-standing traditional service is one of the Calendar and a separate Tween’s-Teen’s Calendar will highlights of the First Church Advent season. This is be available and is perfect to display on a refrigerator or such a favorite of families who attend. There will also be a family bulletin board. “Waiting for Jesus in a Hurry-up a special Children’s activity gift for this service. Middle World” is a booklet of family prayers, scriptures and and High school youth wanting to participate should reflections for each day of Advent. “A World Awaits by C. contact Kevin Jones at [email protected] or Mark S. Lewis is an individual devotion booklet for the days of Williams at [email protected]. And of course Advent. Please pick up a copy at either service or in the we will have the traditional Candlelight Service at 11 church office. p.m. with our First Church Choir.
Each Sunday of Advent, several activities sheets will be I hope to see all of you during this glorious season and available for the children that relate to our Children’s hope you will find calmness and peace during this Time in worship as well for the 9 a.m. service. Sunday, wonderful and sometimes hectic time of year. Dec. 8, the Service of Lessons and Carols will be at 4 p.m.(Prelude @ 3:30pm). with several activities sheets at the door for the younger children since they remain in the Sanctuary the entire time. Childcare will be available for children 4 and under in the nursery.
The Children’s Christmas Play will be presented to the church at the Congregational Christmas Dinner, Sunday, Dec. 15, from 6– 7:30 p.m. Please watch for details on how to sign up for this FREEWILL dinner. It is not too late for all the children to be a part of this wonderful tradition. The preschool, kindergarteners and 1st graders (Mistletoe Marchers) will be opening the program with the 2nd through 5th graders presenting a Christmas play with a great theme. Julia Myers ([email protected]) is heading up the “Mistletoe Marchers” and Andrew Welsh-Huggins ([email protected]) is directing the upper elementary Christmas play. Please contact them for more information on how your child can participate.
The Middle and High school youth will again be presenting an Art Exhibit that will be on display December 15 and will be auctioned for disaster relief fund. This is a wonderful way for our Middle and High school youth to show their talents in original visual, musical, lyrical, and other forms of art that has been gifted to the congregation temporarily during the Advent
8 Christian Education
First Church’s 2013 Ornament Now Christ Child. On December 15, for the first time, we will auction their finished art projects, using the funds raised Available For $18 through the auction to send disaster relief to the By Mark S. Williams, Christian Education Director Philippines. We invite you to participate, donate, bid, and support our efforts in prayer as we honor and First Church is continuing our exciting program in celebrate the people and traditions of the Philippines. celebrating the history of the church through an ongoing keepsake ornament project. Each year, one of our beautiful stained glass windows is featured as a Nursery Worker Needed keepsake ornament. The 2013 News collectible features the Music (Barnard) Window. This series started seven First Church is hiring a nursery worker. Applications are years ago. The first ornament (2007) was the “Shepherd available in the church office. Questions? Contact Mark Window” that is located in the Gladden Chapel. The S. Williams at 228-1741, ext. 15, or mwilliams@first- 2008 ornament was “The Light of the World” window, church.org. located in the sanctuary in the Parable Windows. The 2009 ornament is “Jesus Blessing the Children” panel Youth Selling Fudge for Holidays from the Jeffrey Window, which is located above the Chancel. The fourth keepsake ornament (2010) was the “Evangelists” from the Jeffrey Window. The fifth keepsake ornament was the “Christ sitting on the Rainbow” from the Jeffrey Window and the 2012 keepsake ornament was the “Chi Rho’ panel from the Rose Window. All the keepsake ornaments, except The First Church Youth Groups will be selling a 2007, are still available in variety of fudge again this year as a fundraiser limited quantity at $10 each during the holiday season. The fudge, either ½ or you can purchase all the pound or pound boxes, is on sale after each previous five ornaments for a worship service and during office weekday hours. discounted price of $40. This This makes a perfect gift for the holiday season. year’s ornament is here and Consider giving a box of fudge as gifts for your on sale now at the business/employees. See Mark Williams conclusion of the 9 a.m. [email protected] for more details service and during the regarding special orders. Fellowship Hour in the Parish Hall after the 11 a.m. service. It also will be available for purchase during the week in the church office. The 2013 ornament is $18. Contact Mark S. Williams, ([email protected]) for more information.
Youth ADVENT ART PROJECT To Help Disaster Relief
They shall not labor in vain,or bear children for calamity; for they shall be offspring blessed by the Lord-and their descendants as well.Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking I will hear. Isaiah 65:23-24
For several years, our Middle and High School youth have explored Scriptures, traditions, and their own experiences of Christmas through their creation of visual art, poetry, and song. This year, their project will celebrate the Star of Bethlehem and the people of the Philippines, whose Christmas traditions include hanging vibrant colored stars in their homes to welcome the
9 Music
Choir News is Organist & Director of Music at Church of Christ, Congregational in Newington, Connecticut. He has led Decembe r 2013 seminars on organ improvisation, composition, and By Kevin Jones, Minister of Music choral repertoire for the American Guild of Organists and ([email protected]) the United Church of Christ Musician’s Association national and regional conventions. From 1993 to 1995, Festival of Lessons and he was Dean of the Hartford Chapter of the American Carols Guild of Organists and in 1991 was awarded the organization’s Associate Certificate. The Annual Festival of Lessons and Carols will be held on Sunday, December 8, at 4 p.m. The prelude featuring Mr. Niedmann’s compositions are included in two the First Church Ringers, Teen Choir, Treble Choir and hymnals—Wonder, Love, and Praise (Episcopal) and organist G. Dene Barnard will begin at 3:30 p.m. Come The New Century Hymnal (United Church of Christ). His early to assure a good seat. The service will be music is published by Augsburg-Fortress, GIA broadcast live on WOSU 101 FM beginning at 4 p.m. Publications, Inc., Concordia, Paraclete, Thorpe- Tell your friends and family locally and abroad to listen to Theodore Presser, and Selah. the broadcast on the web at http://wosu.org/2012/classical101/ Christmas Eve Concert
The service will consist of the traditional nine lessons for On Christmas Eve at 10:30 p.m. immediately preceding Christmas interspersed with congregational carols, the 11 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight service, the First anthems and motets. “Once in royal David’s city,” “O Church Choir along with Stephen Secan, oboe, and come, O come Emmanuel,” “O little town of Bethlehem” Jane Zopff, harp, will present a concert of the music of and “O come, all ye faithful” will be sung by choirs and American composer Stephen Paulus. Mr. Paulus’s congregation. The First Church Choir will sing anthems “Three Nativity Carols,” “A Savior from on high” and by Boris Ord, Robert Parsons, Francis Poulenc, Healey “How far is it to Bethlehem” will be presented along with Willan, David Willcocks and Eric Whitacre. As a special several carols for choir and congregation. Stephen bonus this year, the Choir will be singing the world Paulus, one of the most pre-eminent composers of premiere of a new anthem that was commissioned by choral music, suffered a stroke this past July and has the Barnard Music Fund and the Anthem Commission been in hospital care ever since. Although he has shown Fund. Connecticut and UCC composer Peter Niedmann signs of improvement, it is too early to know the long- was commissioned to write a new carol on a text by term prognosis will be. As one of the important choral Washington Gladden for this event. It is a joyful, spirit- voices of America, it seems only fitting to sing his music filled piece set to a portion of Gladden’s poem this Christmas. “Immanuel.” The anthem is titled “Heir of the Highest Heaven.” Early Service Musicians
Peter Niedmann is active as an organist In late October, we bid Jane Chavers a fond farewell. and composer. His choral music is We thanked her for her service to First Church in so widely performed throughout the United many ways – as Council member, wedding coordinator, States and has garnered unanimous choir member, bell ringer, early service pianist and many critical acclaim. His music has been others. While we are sad to see her depart, we are performed at The White House and a happy and grateful to announce that the Rev. Nancy Papal Mass for Pope John Paul II. In the Livingston will be joining the ranks of Tom Stewart and Ending of the Year, for chorus and orchestra, was Cindy Deliman starting this month as an early service singled out by American Record Guide magazine as the musician. Welcome, Nancy, and our continued thanks to best new piece on Harvard University Choir’s CD, Carols Tom and Cindy for their important and joyful ministry to from the Yard. The American Organist magazine has the 9 a.m. service. praised his music as “thoughtful, well-wrought, and appealing.”
In 1992, Mr. Niedmann was a prize winner at the American Guild of Organists National Competition in Organ Improvisation, held in Atlanta. He was a member of the faculty of the Hartt School, University of Hartford and was listed in Who’s Who in America. Mr. Niedmann
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Call for Bell Ringers Mary (My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.) is often said, read or sung on this The First Church Ringers are looking for a few qualified day. It also signals the worshipping community that the ringers to fill some recent vacancies. If you have ever end of our penitence is near and that Christmas is now thought about ringing bells, we would welcome you! less than two weeks hence. The wreath itself, however, Rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings at 6:15 in the is in the form of the circle. It signifies the continuity of Gallery. Bell ringing experience is not necessary, but God as eternal – the Alpha and the Omega – the good music reading skills are. If you are interested, beginning and the end of all things. The light of the please contact Kevin Jones, [email protected], or Advent wreath grows with each passing week, again 228-1741, x12, or see Kevin after church. lighting the way to experience the full light of Christ born for us and given to us at Christmas.
“People look East! The time is near…” And so during Advent, we wait. We wait in the quiet for the voice that leads us to the Christ. We examine. We Advent begins on December 1. Not only does Advent prepare. We expect. May your observance of Advent begin, but a new liturgical year (the first in a three-year lead you expectantly to a fuller feeling of joy at cycle) as well. The season of Advent always begins on Christmas. the fourth Sunday before Christmas and signifies a time of waiting, expectation and preparation for the birth of O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, the Savior. When we look “east,” the metaphor infers that mourns in lonely exile here, until the Son of God that we are waiting in darkness as we await the ‘dawn’ of appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, the new world – the world that welcomes the literal O Israel.” personification of Grace. And so, the western church claims this season with some notable traditions. Liturgical Appearance Schedules
Historically, Advent and Lent have both been seasons of Treble Choir – Rehearsals Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22 at 9 a.m. introspection, penitence and waiting. Because of this, Sing at Lessons and Carols Dec. 8 at 4 p.m. both Advent and Lent have claimed purple as their (reh. at 3pm) liturgical color signifying royalty. In recent years, Advent Sing in Worship Dec. 15 at 11 a.m. has undergone a bit of a shift. While it is still a season of Sing in Worship Dec. 24 at 7:30 p.m. waiting and preparation, it has become less a time of (reh. at 7pm) penitence and more one of hope and longing. Claiming No rehearsals Dec. 29, Jan. 5 Advent as a time of preparation connects it with Lent in the same way birth and death are inextricably linked. Teen Choir – Rehearsals Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22 at 9 a.m. Without the birth of Christ, the crucifixion of Christ is not Sing in Worship Dec. 8 at 11 a.m. possible. Without the Passion, there is no Resurrection. Sing at Lessons and Carols Dec. 8 at 4 p.m. More and more western churches are using blue as the (reh. at 3pm) liturgical color of Advent to mark this slight distinction. Sing in Worship Dec. 24 at 7:30 p.m. Why blue? Blue reminds us to look heavenward in the (reh. at 7pm) same way that the sky is blue. It represents hope. It also No rehearsals Dec. 29, Jan. 5 reminds us of the traditional color of Mary’s garb in art and iconography. First Church Ringers – Rehearsals Dec. 5, 12, 19 Ring at Lessons and Carols Dec. 8 at 4 p.m. The Advent wreath, too, is an important symbol of (reh. at 2:45pm) Advent. The liturgy of candle lighting through each of the Ring in Worship Dec. 22 at 11 a.m. four Sundays and the center white candle – the Christ No rehearsals Dec. 26, Jan. 2 Candle – on Christmas Eve, signifies our progression from prophecy, hope, to joy and love. While there is no First Church Choir – Rehearsals Dec. 5, 12, 19 ‘correct’ or ‘right’ symbol for each of the candles, they Sing in Worship Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 can mean many things in different congregations and Sing at Lessons and Carols Dec. 8 at 4 p.m. traditions. The third candle is sometimes pink or rose in (reh. at 3pm) color. This signifies the Virgin Mary and traditionally falls Sing in Worship Dec. 24 at 10:30 p.m. on Advent III. By ancient tradition, this Sunday is known (reh. at 9:30pm) as Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday. It signifies the rejoicing of No rehearsals Dec. 26, Jan. 2 Mary as she was visited by Gabriel to tell her that she We do not sing in Worship on Jan. 5 was to bear the Son of God. The Magnificat or Song of
11 Music
If you prefer to have your product before the delivery date, after Christmas, or you won’t be Thanks to all who have home on December 21st, you can pick up your supported the 2013-2014 Concert order yourself. Just specify such on your order Appeal this year. We are very and drive to The HoneyBaked Ham Co. at 1085 grateful for your support. Polaris Pkwy, Columbus, OH 43240 (near Thank you! Polaris Mall) at a time that is convenient for you. You may also have your order shipped! Just pay the shipping cost. Thank You All for Making First Church Choir’s Season Help First Church Choir Travel Merry & Bright! We Hope Your’s is, Too!! To England! Elementary Tutors Being Sought In the September newsletter, you read about the plans of First Church Choir to be a Choir-in-Residence in The principal at Ohio Ave. Elementary School seeks England from August 3 to August 10, 2015. This is the adult men and women to tutor third-graders in reading. A first international trip the choir has ever undertaken. police background check is required. The tutoring is on Wednesdays 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at 505 S. Ohio Ave. We are planning fundraisers between now and the time we depart. The proceeds from these fundraisers will help Call Sarah Garbe, 267-1188, or Dawn George, 338- offset travel-related expenses for the choir. 0507, for more information. If this doesn't fit your schedule, call your neighborhood school and ask if they If you are interested in traveling with the choir during this need tutors. time, non-singing travelers are most welcome. If you would like more information or to make plans to join the Unique Giving Opportunity To End trip, please contact Bill Lange, chair of the ad-hoc Glouchester committee, at [email protected], or December 31 Kevin Jones at [email protected] to indicate your interest. A firm commitment to travel need not be made By Bill Johannes and Sheldon Taft, Board of Trustees until September 2014, but it would be very helpful in our planning if we knew of your potential interest. Thank you An important provision of the IRS tax code expires on for your support! December 31, 2013. If you are age 70 ½ or older want to avoid federal and state income taxes on minimum required IRS distributions and don’t need the distribution The HoneyBaked Ham Co. And First from your IRA to maintain your standard of living you should consider transferring your minimum required IRS are partnering this holiday Church Choir distribution a First Church endowment fund of your season. choice. Because First Church is a qualified charitable institution up to $100,000 to First church this year and Help First Church Choir make their pilgrimage to avoid paying federal and state income taxes on the England by purchasing your holiday ham or turkey donated distribution. But don’t wait. This unique chance through the choir from the HoneyBaked Ham Co. Sides to support the missions, ministries and facilities of First and desserts are available, too! As an added bonus, we Church will end 12/31/2013. Your gift to an endowment have made it easy to shop. Just use the link below to fund will truly make a difference at your church for years order and pay on-line. The best part is we’ll deliver to come! For more information about this opportunity dinner right to your door! First Church Choir will receive and the church’s endowment funds go to 20% of all sales placed through this on-line link! www.firstchruch.org/EndowmentFunds.aspx and contact ORDERING Bill Johannes [email protected] .
Order on-line from November 24th thru December 19th by clicking
12 First Church News
WE ARE THANKFUL for a congregation who gives HOLIDAY GIFT BASKETS
abundantly when asked to contribute food for those in need. Holiday gift baskets filled with Fair In addition to the food collected, a Trade coffee, tea, and chocolate will be for sale at total of $1702.98 was given for the fellowship hour in Dec. or may be purchased in the MidOhio Food Bank, $125 came from the Sunday church office. The baskets created by Sandra Geronimo School children. That translates into $18,733 in food make lovely host gifts. Proceeds go to Sacred Earth projects. purchasing power ($11 for every $1 donated).
Food Pantry Justice Ministry Events Donations December 9, 7:00 pm, North Your response to a call for Congregational UCC: Research food for the pantries was Kickoff overwhelming.....and none April 7, 7:00 pm: Rally too soon. When we May 12, 7:00 pm, Celeste Center: delivered the food to the Nehemiah Action Gladden pantry there June 30, 7:00 pm: Celebration were many bare shelves. The need is ongoing. Food was also taken to the Broad St. Presbyterian and Operation Open Hands pantries. Thank you.
The Thursday Fellowship will hold its Justice Ministry Update annual Christmas gathering on Thursday, December 12 and will hear from Reverend Tim The next celebration will be Christmas and again Ahrens about his doctoral program. At 10 a.m. community support is sought as the GCH budget cannot holiday refreshments will be served, followed cover gifts. $20 gift cards from Wal-Mart are needed for by the presentation and then the 'Yankee teens and seniors [Wal-Mart is on the bus line]. Swap" of gifts of a $5 value. Firefighters will provide toys for children age 12 and Everyone is welcome. under. Please leave gift cards in the church office by Dec. 19th. Thank you - Justice and Mercy Commission.
DID YOU KNOW OUR PURCHASES COUNT TWICE?
In addition, for each pound of coffee, tea, cocoa and chocolate purchased by UCC congregations through the Coffee Project, Equal Exchange contributes to UCC programs that support ministries in economic justice. This year Equal Exchange contributed $8,965.02 to the UCC, who in turn sent it to the UCC Franklinton Center's Just Foods Project which enhances the viability, vitality, and sustainability of families and small farmers in Edgecombe County, one of the poorest areas in eastern North Carolina and the U.S. Thank you for your continued support of this mission. -Sacred Earth Committee
13 First Church News
A Big Thanks How to complete your to First Church 2013 pledge! From Denny Mahoney The end of 2013 is just around the corner and we want to make sure you know all the I would like to thank all the options for pay your pledge. Did you know there are 6 forms members of First Church for the of payment that First Church accepts towards your pledge? generous gift I received during worship on October 27. Your warmth and generosity Stock, Bond, Mutual Funds, CD Transfers- We accept all during my years at the church are very much of these forms of payment towards a pledge. If you have appreciated. I wish you all the best, and I hope to see stocks, bonds, CD’s that are not performing well and want you from time to time in the future. to avoid possible capital gains you can instead transfer the security to our account at Charles Schwab to apply to your pledge. Thank you to all who donated to the Good Samaritan Fund in the month Direct Deposit through Payroll Deduction at work- Many of November. $6,200 was received. That companies will allow you to make a payroll deduction from is an amazing response and a testimony your paycheck. Church members find this way of paying to First Church’s commitment to those in their pledge easy because the company takes it out need. We were able to help 67 people automatically every pay period. Each company has a on November 11. That is the most we different way of setting this deduction process up, contact have ever served on one day. We hope to be able to your Human Resources representative or Payroll Specialist help that many in December. You are appreciated by all at your company to see if this is an option and have your those that you help. The need is ever present. If you company contact Sharon Leidheiser at the church for more would like to contribute to the Good Samaritan Fund, information. you may send a check made out to First Church marked “Good Sam”. Thank you. Personal Check- This form of payment is the most – Marty Worth, Fund Adminstrator. common at First Church. Write your check to First Church and indicate in the memo field PLEDGE so we know the money applies to your pledge. You can place the check in the Offering Plate at worship or mail it to the church. FLASH – QUILT RAFFLE WINNER Cash- We always accept cash! Please put the cash in an envelope and put your full name and amount on the line Kelly Dodd won the quilt raffle. Congratulations Kelly! labeled PLEDGE. If you need envelopes because you pay
with cash, please indicate this on your pledge card and we will put envelopes in your church mailbox. Please do not mail cash.
Bill Pay with your bank- Online banking is another alternative for you to pay your payment. You can set up the First Congregational Church as a payee or vendor in your list with payment to be automatically mailed to First Church as often as you’d like. Just indicate on the memo field: Pledge & Your Name so we can credit the check to the appropriate account. Contact your bank for more details since each bank is different.
Money Order or Cashiers Check- Please do not send money through the mail. If you do not have a checking account and the other payment options do not apply we recommend you send a money order or cashiers check with your full name written on the check and indication that it’s to apply to your pledge. The staff sends a BIG “Thank You” for the generous gift of treats for the children’s Halloween We greatly appreciate your pledge commitment for 2013. If party. There were between 100 to 200 children you have any questions contact Sharon Leidheiser. who had fun, played games and went home with lots of treats! 14 First Church News
2 OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHRISTMAS DEDICATIONS
POINSETTIAS for the Sanctuary on Christmas Eve. The flowers may be taken after the 11 o’clock service.
DECEMBER 15 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. PROVIDE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC for Parish Hall Christmas Eve worship.
Our annual light-hearted look at the Nativity story. We’ll Complete this order form (be sure to indicate welcome the Mistletoe Marchers, a festive parade of children from pre-K through first grade; the Christmas the dedication) and return with payment to the Chorus, a merry band of second graders introducing the church office or place in the offering plate with production; and the First Church Christmas actors payment. The deadline for ordering is themselves, all children third through fifth grades December 15. interested in participating. This year’s show, “A Merry Christmas Time...Machine.” finds who doesn’t Name: ______believe in the real meaning of Christmas. Join us for this romp toward the real meaning of the season.
The play will be preceded by a pot luck dinner. Please Telephone Number: ______bring a dish to share according to last name: A-H bring a side or salad. I-P bring a casserole or entrée; R-Z bring a dessert. Poinsettias ____ at $10.00 each =Total $ ______2013 LAY LEADERSHIP AWARD and/or Music $______PRESENTED On Sunday, November 24 First Church celebrated Jane Werum and her late husband J. Ralston Werum as they (Make checks payable to First Congregational were presented the 2013 Lay Leadership Award by The Rev. Roger Miller, Interim Association Minister, a long Church, on Memo line, write Flowers and/or time friend of the Werums. Music”)
In Celebration of ______Jane Werum is pictured with Rev. Tim Ahrens (left) and Rev. Miller (right) as the ______2013 Lay leadership award is presented. In Memory of ______Jane Werum and Rev. Ahrens ______are pictured during Children’s Time as Jane tells about growing up at First Church.
15 First Church News
Recent Celebration Gifts to First Member Happy December Birthdays Church 1: John Edward Rau 19: Bob Davis 3: Bernard Martin 20: Christa Ewing By Bill Johannes and Jane Werum 4: Elaine Warren 21: Joyce Canfield 4: Frank Cook II 21: Dorothy Leachman 4: Whitney Alexander Marker 21: Bonnie Sparhawk Given to the Knight-Perry Fund by 5: Madeline Hadley 22: Rick Henderson Tom and Kathy Brownfield 6: Betty Cobb 23: Marty Worth 6: Kay Davis 24: Lee Ann Hadley Given to the Remembrance Fund in 6: Karl Danneberger 25: Diana Kutschbach 6: Diane Rambo 26: Trisha Bishop celebration of the life of Barbara Reed 6: Alexander Vore 28: Paul Leidheiser, Jr. by: Melinda Frank, Thomas and 7: Denise Faye Thompson 28: McAshan Dean Rosalie Detmer. 8: Janet Axt 29: Jim Organ 8: Kent Rambo 29: Benjamin Rowley 10: Brian Christopher Thomas 30: James McWilliams Given to the Remembrance Fund in celebration of the 11: Samuel Spofforth 31: James Roehm life of John Zahn by Town and Country Travel. 13: Joseph Michael Provenzano 31: Nicki Campbell 13: Joe Baszynski 31: Catherine Cunningham Given to the Stained Glass Preservation Fund by 14: Dan Ward 14: Betty Johnson Elizabeth Balderston, Mr. and Mrs. William Farquar, 14: Susan Sheryl Reed Rhoads Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kutschbach, Mr. and Mrs. 14: Lori Ann Horne Richard Pfeiffer, Mr. and Mrs. William Rhoads, Dr. 14: Gretchen Weller OOPS! If we miss your birthday or and Mrs. ChristopherWashington, Anonymous, Rev. 15: Ann Marie Bennett anniversary, contact Jennifer Forsberg 17: Jane Chavers at 228-1741, ext. 17, or and Mrs. Timothy Ahrens, Margaret Atkinson, Dave 18: Mary Alice Kuhn Stebenne, Samuel and Janice Cook, Mr. and Mrs. [email protected] 19: Carol Hussey Kemper Campbell, Kathryn Reed, Allen Baker and Al 19: Larry Dixon Waddell, Chestora Dellenbach, Mr. and Mrs. Gary Gray, J.B. Davis. More names will be in the next Member Happy December Anniversaries NEWS. 10 – Diana and Bob Kutschbach Your memorial and celebration gifts, payable to the First 12 – Linda and Ron Reiger 19 – Marty and Gerry Worth Congregational Church, are very much appreciated and 20 – Jorge and Teresa Polo support special activities at First Church. Remembering 22 – Earl and Pauline Fritz a particular moment in the life of friend or family member 23 – Jane and Mike Weddle with a gift to the Remembrance Fund or an Endowment 26 – Becky and Sheldon Taft 27 – Sarah and Tom Trace Fund is a special way to honor them. If you would like to 27 – Jane and Dick Ward learn more about ways to support the future of First 28 – Ian and Rebecca Baird Church through planned and estate gifts, please go to 28 – Francille and John Firebaugh www.first-church.org/EndowmentFunds.aspx 29 – Andrew and Pamela Welsh-Huggins
Missions Offering Schedule In December, the undesignated loose offerings will benefit the following missions that First Church supports: Next Newsletter Deadline
Dec. 1 - Columbus Kids Task Force The deadline for submitting articles for the Dec. 8 - BOBS – Pending/Concert Fund January First Church Newsletter is December Dec. 15 - BOBS 16th at noon. It will be published Dec. 24 - UCC Christmas Fund Friday, December 27th. Dec. 29 - Good Samaritan Fund .
16 Calendar
Sunday , December 1 9 am – Worship – Parish Hall Sunday, December 15 9 am – Teen/Treble Choirs – Choir Room 9 am – Worship – Parish Hall – New Member’s Join 10 am – Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room 9 am – Teen/Treble Choirs – Choir Room 10 am – Christian Education – Ed Wing, Rooms C and D 10 am – Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room 11 am – Worship - Sanctuary 10 am – Christian Education – Ed Wing, Rooms C and D Noon – Fellowship Hour – Parish Hall 11 am – Worship– Sanctuary – New Members Join 12:30 pm – Confirmation Class – Ed Wing, Room D Noon – Fellowship Hour – Parish Hall 6 pm – High School Youth – Parish Hall 6 pm – Christmas Dinner – Parish Hall 6pm – Middle School Youth – Middle School Rm 7:30 pm – Pageant Rehearsal – Parish Hall Monday, December 2 Monday, December 16 10 am – Metro Area Church Council – Large Conference Rm 7 pm – Budget and Finance – Large Conference Rm 6:30 pm – Church Vitality Group – Parlor 7 pm – Personnel – Large Conference Rm 7 pm – Deacon Meeting – Large Conference RM Tuesday, December 17 Tuesday, December 3 Noon – Care Ministry – Large Conference Rm Noon – Care Ministry – Large Conference Rm 7 pm – Church Council – Large Conference Rm 5:30 pm – Sacred Earth – Large Conference Rm Wednesday, December 18 7 pm – Justice and Mercy Committee – Large Conference Rm 11 am – Book Study – Parlor Wednesday, December 4 Thursday, December 19 11 am – Book Study – Parlor 10 am – We Believe Ohio – Large Conference Rm 7 pm – Education Committee – Education Wing Rm D 6:15 pm – First Church Ringer – Gallery Thursday, December 5 7:30 pm – First Church Choir – Parish Hall 6:15 pm - First Church Ringers – Gallery Saturday, December 21 7:30 pm – First Church Choir – Parish Hall 8 am – Men’s Breakfast – Large Conference Rm Friday, December 6 9:30 am – CSO Women – Large Conference Rm 6 pm - Young Adults Cookie Bake - Kitchen 9:30 am – House and Grounds – Parish Family Rm 8 pm – Apollo’s Fire Concert - Sanctuary Sunday, December 22 Saturday, December 7 9 am – Worship – Parish Hall 9 am – Companions on the Journey – Large Conference Rm 9 am – Teen/Treble Choirs – Choir Room 5:30 pm – Columbus Church of Christ Christmas Party – 10 am – Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room Parish Hall 10 am – Christian Education – Ed Wing, Rooms C and D Sunday, December 8 11 am – Worship – Sanctuary 8 am – Cookie Mission – Large Conference Rm Noon – Fellowship Hour – Parish Hall 9 am – Worship – Parish Hall 12:30 pm – Christmas Caroling 9 am – Teen/Treble Choirs – Choir Room 7 pm – Christmas Caroling 10 am – Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room 7:30 pm – Pageant Rehearsal – Parish Hall 10 am – Christian Education – Ed Wing, Rooms C and D Tuesday, December 24 – Christmas Eve 11 am – Worship – Sanctuary Noon – Office Closes Noon – Fellowship Hour – Parish Hall 3 pm- Worship – Sanctuary 4 pm – Lessons and Carols – Sanctuary 7:30 pm – Christmas Pageant - Sanctuary Monday, December 9 Wednesday, December 25- Christmas Day 9 am – Good Samaritan Day Noon – Bethlehem and Broad Street 7 pm – New Member Class – Parlor Thursday, December 26 7 pm – Trustrees – Large Conference Rm Office is open – Building is Closed Tuesday, December 10 6:15 pm – First Church Ringers - Gallery Noon – Care Ministry – Large Conference Friday, December 27 7 pm – Executive Committee – Parish Family Room Office is Open – Building is Closed Wednesday, December 11 Sunday, December 29 Noon – Volunteer Luncheon – Parish Hall 9 am – Worship – Parish Hall Thursday, December 12 9 am – Teen/Treble Choirs – Choir Room 10 am – Thursday Fellowship - Parlor 11 am – Worship – Sanctuary 6:15 pm – First Church Ringers – Gallery Noon – Fellowship Hour – Parish Hall 7:30 pm – First Church Choir – Parish Hall 4 pm – Lessons and Carols – Sanctuary Friday, December 13 Monday, December 30 5:30 pm – Confirmation Field Trip to Tifereth Israel 6 pm – Early Music Concert Rehearsal – Sanctuary Saturday, December 14 Tuesday,, December 31 9 am – Play Rehearsal – Parish Hall Noon – Office Closes
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Prayers December Fellowship Hour All our families and friends who continue to mourn the December 1 Numbers loss of loved ones, may they be comforted; Grace December 8 Proverbs December 15 Psalms Glaros; Marie Pfeiffer; Gerhard Wolff; Liz Cook; Frank December 22 Christmas Hussey; Amos White; Andrea Gonzalez; Bernie Martin; December 29 New Year’s David and Martha Loy; Brett Weaver; Ned Cullom upon the death of his father; Gary Garber and Michael Murray. December Acolyte Schedule Ben Brewer, friend of Melva Fisher; Jeannie Dunlap, December 1 Peter Spofforth and Luke Zimmerman friend of Susan Sitler; Martin Lanter; Dave Buchanan, December 8 Alaina Thompson and Nina Zimmerman friend of Kaylyn Woods and Deb Poe; Rudy Harmon, December 15 Will Zimmerman and Adam Wade father of Deb Poe; Todd Owens; Elizabeth Stephenson; December 22 Alex Palmer and Alaina Thompson Joseph and Karen Schlesinger; Ruth Ann, aunt of Cindy December 24 11PM Adam Wade and Cameron Wade December 29 Ann Rambo and Miriam Myers Conn; Kathy and George Madden; Ben Lang; Steve
Zilles, friend of Bill and Amy Wagner; Jill Ford, friend of (Schedules online at www.first-church.org) Mark S. Williams; partner of Jean Moran; Edith Smith, mother of Sue Salak; Marjorie Kufel, mother of Sharon Leidheiser; Gwen Allred, mother of Ben and Jensan Allred; Patricia Aileen Tekaucic, mother of Val- Church Staff Christopher Tekaucic; Kati Bogdanovitch and her four Timothy C. Ahrens...... Senior Minister Janine Wilson………………...... Associate Minister children on the sudden death of her husband, friend of Kevin Jones………………...... Minister of Music Jenny Provenzano; the family of Terry Austin, for their Mark S. Williams...... Director of Christian Education loss; Jack Blandi, father of Melissa Kulwicki; Alice G. Dene Barnard...... Organist Choirmaster Emeritus Sharon Leidheiser...... Business Administrator Anderson, sister of Duan Cannon, mother of Eddie Martha Worth...... Program Manager Anderson; Xavier Dean, grandson of Jackie Dean. Jennifer Forsberg...... Interim Office Manager Thomas Luff………………………………………….Building Manager Kelvin Murphy…………………………………………….…….Custodian William Lee………….…………………………..…...... Custodian Prayer Request: Please let us know of a prayer concern Mark Freeman…………………………………………………….Custodian for yourself, a family member or other church member by Rosemary Pawandiwa-Priore……………………………..….Nursery calling the Rev. Timothy Ahrens at 614.228.1741, ext. Summer Petras………………………………….……………….…Nursery 13, by using prayer request cards found in each pew or Evin Wimberly……………………………...………………………Nursery by emailing [email protected]. Janet Axt…….…...... Wedding Coordinator Fran Panek...... Wedding Coordinator Lisa Fravel-Dean……………………………….Wedding Coordinator Tori Stucke ……....…………………………….Wedding Coordinator ~ Remember Your Loved Ones ~ With a Dedication of Flowers Contact Marty Worth at 614.228.1741,ext. 14, Church Council [email protected] Sarah Reed…...... Moderator Frank Cook...... Moderator-elect Jim Griffin/Melissa Prendergast...... ………Secretary/Elect Weddings Ken Salak/David Holt…...... Treasurer/Elect Jim Fewlass….………………………………………..…....Administration Lisa Mowery and Michael Mayhugh – November 9 Catherine Cunningham……………………………….Church. Growth Deana Armstrong/Julia Meyers….…...... Education/Elect Rick Sayre/Nancy Burba………...... House & Grounds/Elect Worship CDs Available: We provide copies of worship Matt Allen/Chris Glaros…..…..………………..……….Mission/Elect services on CDs. The CDs are available in the literature Anne Hudson/Kim Crabtree……………….. Church Vitality/Elect Greg Halbe/Sharon Walquist…….Music, Arts, Heritage/Elect rack outside the church office after worship. A $1 Gerry Worth…………….…………………………..…Nominating Chair donation for the CD can be left in a container on the Christopher Washington…………….…..………………..……Trustees church office counter. Alfred Fields……………...... Member-at-large Mariner Taft..……..……...... Member-at-large Bert Cook…………………………………………………..Senior Deacon John Matchett………………………………………Deacon Council Rep
18 The First Congregational Church United Church of Christ 444 E. Broad St. Columbus, Ohio 43215-3821
Please Deliver By: Saturday, November 29, 2013 TO:
The First Congregational Church, UCC
444 E. Broad St., Columbus, Ohio 43215 Phone: 614.228.1741 FAX: 614.461.1741 Email: [email protected] Web site: www.first-church.org Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Closed Major Holidays
“An Open & Affirming Faith Community”
SUNDAY WORSHIP HOURS
Worship at 9 a.m. ~ Parish Hall Worship at 11 a.m. ~ Sanctuary
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