First Church News

Fir st Church News January 2013 First Congregational Church Vol. 161, United Church of Christ No. 1 Columbus, Ohio “Enter to Worship – Depart to Serve’’

Welcome 2013 Before we can say “hello” we also need to say “goodbye” to Marti Rideout. Marti has served wonderfully and ‘On Love Alone’ faithfully since July 1. She has been gracious enough to By the Rev. Timothy C. Ahrens, , Senior Minister serve a second time as our interim music minister. On ([email protected]) January 6, after our 11 a.m. worship, we will gather in Fellowship Hall to offer words of thanks and gifts of “The child we seek doesn’t need our gold. On love, on thanks in her honor. Marti has been a lifesaver! Let us love alone he will build his kingdom.” – Gian Carlo all come out and sing in one voice, “Well done good and Menotti faithful servant of God!” Thanks Marti. Rest for a little while! With the turning of the calendar, we made it to 2013. 2012 ended in horror Let us build this year to the honor and glory of God. “On with the slaughter of God’s holy innocent love Alone” may we continue to grow in Christ. May the ones in Newtown, Conn. Our prayers love of God in Christ Jesus our Savior, keep our hearts are with the lost and grieving in this small and minds growing in love for one another. New England town. In addition to prayers, many of us have begun the work of changing the tide of gun violence, 2013 Annual Congregational Meeting while also trying to meet the needs of a growing number is January 27 of Americans who have untreated mental health needs. But, with a backdrop of dire predictions from the Mayans We will have ONE service of worship on January 27 and others, 2013 ultimately arrived with little fanfare. at 10 a.m. We will follow this service with our annual

st meeting at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary. In addition to We are in our 161 year of life together in Christ in receiving reports from the boards, commissions, downtown in Columbus, Ohio. I am more certain than committees, Council leadership and staff, we will also ever before that our best years of serving God in the city vote on the annual budget and the slate of nominees are still ahead of us! who have stepped up to serve in 2013.

We begin this new year with a new staff member. We In addition, we will vote on our church’s constitution are blessed to have Kevin Jones arrive as our Minister of (See related article on Page 2). Following the Music on January 2. He will lead worship for the first meeting, all are invited to Parish Hall for an all-church time on January 13. Kevin brings many gifts to us. luncheon. In our 161st year of life together, we have Originally a Buckeye from Ashland, Ohio, Kevin comes held these meetings as a way of being from Hartford, Conn., to serve our church. With training congregational Christians. It is the “Congregational on organ, harpsichord, piano and voice, Kevin brings a Way.” great range of musical experience – including eight years as music director of the Blue Hill Troupe, New York City’s Gilbert and Sullivan ensemble. He also has served as adjunct faculty at Hartt School of Music Inside teaching applied voice along with English, German and From the Pastors – 2 Birthdays – 9 French diction classes. He is married to Dr. Joe News – 3, 4-9 Anniversaries – 9 Bellissimo, a doctor of chiropractic medicine. Welcome Kevin and Joe. Christian Ed – 4 Calendar - 10 Music – 5 Prayers - 11

From the Pastors God’s Deal; Our Agreement Christmas, empower us. By the Rev. Dr. Janine Wilson, Associate Minister ([email protected]) “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the If you take the word “deal” all by itself, you will end up creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me with a plethora of ways to experience something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me it. To deal is to contract, have a something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me transaction, make an agreement, in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and arrangement, pact, treaty, compact or you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to covenant. To deal is to trade, do visit me.” business, exchange, buy, sell or transact business. It is also to distribute, share out, dole out, Church Constitution Will Be apportion, divide up and/or split. Voted on at January 27 Meeting To delve into the word “deal” is a history lesson on the By the Rev. Timothy C. Ahrens, Senior Minister world and everyone in it. How leaders have dealt with riches and power provides a significant history of the At our annual meeting, being held following our one world. But more than a world or it’s history, how you and service at 10 a.m., we will vote on our congregation’s I have lived and dealt with our opportunities, provides a revised constitution. This new and improved edition of history of our families and our own life. How are we our constitution from over 30 years ago, seeks to dealing with our opportunities? What do we keep or strengthen sections on faith and covenant, how we covet? What do we distribute and share out? become members and choose to leave the membership of the church, definitions around calling and dismissing No matter which way one chooses to slice, dice or the Senior and Associate ministers, and the process for embrace the word deal is the challenge for 2013. I’m hiring and dismissing staff beyond the clergy. pretty sure that since many of you have teen-agers as we do, I’m probably not the only mother who Whether the changes are small occasionally tells her sons to “just deal with it.” No “tweaks” or more significant in your matter where you were on life’s journey last year, God is mind, I would encourage everyone in the process this very minute offering all of us a new to read the constitution that has year – complete with a fresh, clean slate. been mailed out. It also may be found on our church’s website – Now is the time for us to deal with opportunity. What will www.first-church.org. Copies can you give away, exchange, divide up? What will you be attained in the church office as well. choose to share this year to build up someone else’s hope? What transactions will you make to further peace All active members can vote on the constitution. in your family, between friends, between faith Associate members have voices but no votes. If you communities? What opportunities will you seize to treat would like to change your status as an associate each person with respect and gentle welcome? With member, you need to put that in writing and clarify the which persons or groups will you contract to speak out change with the Deacons before the congregational against violence, create a green economy, eradicate meeting. The committee and Council have put it in the disease, provide clean water or end hunger? And for hands of members two months before the ratification whom will you pray? date with the expressed intent to have meaningful conversations in advance of voting. My prayer for each of us this year is that we will intentionally take up the opportunity to stand together There will be forums on the constitution held in the Large with open hearts and minds; and together we can stand Conference Room on January 13 and 20 at 10 a.m. and with the disenfranchised and become physically, after the 11 a.m. worship. Please make time to read, personally connected to others in need. God came to us discuss and come ready to engage the constitution prior in covenant and keeps one side of this amazing deal. It to the meeting on January 27. is up to us to take up our side of this same contract. May God’s hope be fulfilled in little and great ways, even by us, in 2013. May the love that captures us as

First Church News

 Deborah Mitchell is a professor at Ohio State University. She also is a musician who also enjoys volunteering and horseback riding.

 Kay Neffenger looks forward to meeting new people. She is a Realtor and also makes (and sells!) handmade jewelry.

 Tiffany Dixon is working toward an advanced degree. She discovered us through her volunteer work with Bethlehem on Broad Street. New members were welcomed to First Church during worship on December 16.  Christina and Brian Holt were married here at First Church. We’re all new to Christina, but Welcome New Members! It is Brian grew up at First Church. Together they Wonderful to Begin 2013 With You! have chosen to become actively involved in new ways. By the Rev. Dr. Janine Wilson, Associate Minister  Michael Frost has been worshipping with us for We welcomed new members to First Church during several years as well. He has just begun his worship on December 16. Here’s a look at who they are: new career, training to be a nurse.

 Rachael Gardner, Judy Purdy, Deb Poe and her Welcome! Welcome! Welcome! We all look forward to daughter Kaylyn Schwartz all worship at the 9 growing in faith with each of you in 2013! a.m. service each week. Kaylyn likes to cook and Deb enjoys antiquing. Rachael is a student at Methodist Theological Seminary and partner Judy is a training specialist with the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

 Todd, Mary Anne Jacobson and their son Carl have come to us from Linden Hills UCC in Minneapolis. Carl’s favorite sports right now are hockey and baseball. Todd and Mary Anne have an array of interests including travel. Their Trust God, Not Guns son Ian is completing his education in Minnesota. The National Officers of the United Church of Christ issued this prayer in response to the elementary school  Tom Kiesel is also transferring his UCC shooting in Connecticut on December 14. membership. He enjoys gardening, cooking and Loving God, our hearts are broken as we take in the tragedy cycling. at Sandy Hook School in Newtown. Tears flow as we see the pictures of young children, teachers and parents fleeing a  Larry Thorne and his wife, Debbie Koetz Kelly scene of terror and fear, and as we hear the shaken voices of were connected to the United Church of Christ those who escaped. But mostly, Holy One, we are simply and First Church in younger years. Some of stunned that this kind of violence has once again erupted in Larry’s fond memories were created with his our nation. We lift our prayers to you now, prayers that your grandparents at Templed Hills. Debbie was comfort will surround the families of those children and raised here at FCC and taught Sunday school. teachers who lost their lives, and prayers for the community of Newtown. We pray for the hope brought afresh to us by the  Andrea Gonzalez comes to us with her four birth of the Prince of Peace this time of year. May it be born in terrific children – Hector, Miguel, Vanessa and us and infuse all of our relationships. May your hope and peace touch this world as never before. May your love crowd Emma – and Amber Smith joins us as an out our despair and feelings of helplessness. May the star Associate Member. She is an artist who loves which rested over that manger light the way we take as working with children and is a student at CCAD. peacemakers. In the name of the One who is to be born we pray. Amen.

Christian Education News

Adul t Education Starts New News Year! We are honored to welcome Susan to the pulpit on By Mark S. Williams, Christian Education Director Sunday, February 10. She will preach at 9 a.m. and (mwilliams@first -church.org) 11a.m. and lead an education hour at 10 a.m. On Monday, February 11, she will lead a seminar on her new book. The seminar will be from 10 a.m.-noon, with a The Adult Education classes on lunch to follow. All area clergy, and First Church Sunday morning start the year with members, are invited. two new tracks that will entice many to attend. The Rev. Dr. Susan has written Interfaith Just Janine Wilson will lead the Peacemaking: Alternatives to War, “Opening the Word” track with the edited with Glen Stassen (United “Characters of the Bible” series. States Institute of Peace, 2008), Each Sunday a different and Adam, Eve and the Genome: interesting character of the Bible will be discussed and Theology in Dialogue with the explored. Human Genome Project (Fortress Press, 2003), Lift Every Voice: The “Life and Faith” track will begin with a series of Constructing Christian Theologies classes on Israel. First, Rev. Deana Armstrong will lead Rev. Susan from the Underside with Mary us through an understanding of the Middle East and the Thistlethwaite biblical Israel. Then Rev. Tim Ahrens will facilitate two Potter Engel (Orbis, 1998), Sex, classes on the understanding of the contemporary Israel. Race and God: Christian Feminism in Black and White The Education Hour begins each Sunday at 10 a.m. on (reprinted, 2009), Casting Stones: Prostitution and the first floor of the Education Wing. Liberation in Asia and the United States with Rita Nakashima Brock (Fortress Press, 1996), and The New Testament and Psalms: An Inclusive Translation (Oxford University Press, 1995). Interfaith Just Peacemaking is Youth Groups Help With BOBS currently being expanded into a book.

Our middle and high school youth group members came She is a professor of theology at Chicago Theological bright and early on most of their first day of vacation to Seminary. She was seminary president from 1998 to help wrap presents, stuff cards, cut celery and onions, 2008. Upon completing two five-year terms as president, pull bread and write messages of greetings for she returned to full-time teaching on the faculty. She has Bethlehem on Broad Street guests. Thank you, youth a Ph.D. from Duke University, a Masters of Divinity groups! What a blessing! – Mark Williams (Summa Cum Laude) from Duke Divinity School and a B.A. from Smith College. Sending Blessings Susan has been an ordained minister of the United We send blessings to one of our nursery workers, Sarah Church of Christ since 1974. She currently is working in Welsh-Huggins, as she enters her Master’s and a new area she calls “public theology.” She writes a Doctorate work at the University of Colorado. weekly column for the Washington Post, “On Faith,” and is a frequent media commentator on religion and public events. Her new book, Dreaming of Eden: American Religion and Politics in a Wired World, will be published in October, 2010 by Palgrave-Macmillan. Rev. Dr. Susan Thistlethwaite She is a fellow of the Center for American Progress to Preach and Teach at First Church Faith and Progressive Policy Initiative, and serves as a By the Rev. Timothy C. Ahrens, Senior Minister trustee of Faith in Public Life, and the Interfaith Youth Core. Dr. Susan Thistlethwaite will preach and teach from her new book, Occupy the Bible: What Jesus Really Said and Did and Economic Injustice, here at First Church on February 10 and 11..

Music

Music Notes much has been accomplished. It has been my great joy to serve God with you in this very special place and to January 2013 make music with our fantastic choirs. When I am not By Marti Rideout, Interim Minister of Music serving in another church I will return to worship with ([email protected]) you, for you are indeed my church community and for you, your support, your love of music and mission, I am Thank you! ever grateful.

The First Sunday after the Epiphany Our grateful praise goes to all those who made possible the glorious music heard at the Christmas On January 13, Kevin Jones will begin his music ministry Festival of Lessons and Carols and at First Church. I am very excited about the superb the three services on Christmas talent and gifts he will bring to this place, and I look Eve: the First Church Choir, Teen forward to hearing the choirs sing and the organs soar and Treble Choirs, Gallery Ringers, under his most capable leadership. I know you will Jim Gallagher (conductor), organists welcome him and give your support to his vocation here. Dene Barnard, Jamie Bobb May he be with you for a very long time. (returned to play the organ for the Nativity pageant at the 7:30 p.m. Christmas Eve service), flutist Brianna Burkett, The baptism of Jesus is observed on the First Sunday oboist Elizabeth Lebold. after the Epiphany and marks the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus. John the Baptist, as one whose Thanks, too, to all those who assisted in preparations, mission was to prepare the way for Jesus, bears witness performance and clean-up: Pageant technical workers to the baptism that took place in the Jordan River. The (Drew Wade, Bill Rhoads, Peter Murray, John Deliman, baptismal scene includes the heavens opening, a Cindy Deliman, Joe Provenzano, Pam Welsh-Huggins, descending dove, and a voice from Heaven saying: Sarah Welsh-Huggins); Jim and Carol Gallagher for bell "This is my beloved Son with who I am well please." table design, costume and choir preparations; Bill And the ministry begins. Wirsching, Jim Griffin and Greg Halbe for such capable and helpful assistance. Thank you, one and all. Congregational Concert February 10, 4 p.m. The Feast of the Epiphany The next Congregational Concert will take place on On January 6, we will observe Epiphany, occasionally February 10, 4 p.m. and will feature all the choirs. with referred to as Three Kings Day and Twelfth Day. It is Kevin Jones conducting and playing the organ. Music the 12th day after Christmas and concludes the and readings will be featured in a Lessons and Carols Christmas season. format, which Kevin has already prepared. February 10 marks the Last Sunday after the Epiphany, a time of The word Epiphany means manifestation or revelation great rejoicing and the singing of Alleluias before Lent and is linked with the legendary visitation of the Wise begins. This will be Kevin's introduction to the Men or Magi to the Christ child. In that moment in time community, so please share the news with friends and that God was revealed as human, in the form of the baby neighbors and plan to attend. Jesus. Through the Magi, Christ is revealed to the Gentiles, those distinct from the Jewish people. The Magi brought gifts of gold, a symbol of kingship on earth, frankincense, a symbol of divinity and used in temple worship, and myrrh, an oil used to embalm the dead, a First Church Generous for Gladden prediction of the death to come. During the worship service, three kings will sing the verses of the much loved hymn We Three Kings of Orient Are and offer their Thanks to all for the gift cards for the seniors gifts. Hymns, anthems, and organ voluntaries will and teens served by Gladden Community highlight this well-known story. House. Christmas was brightened by your generosity. – Dawn George This day will also mark my last Sunday with you during this interim period. Six months have passed quickly and

You can place the check in the Offering Plate at First Church News worship or mail it to the church.

New Book Study Begins January 2 4. Cash - We always accept cash! Please put the cash in an envelope and put your full name and

amount on the line labeled PLEDGE. If you need On January 2, in our 11 a.m. envelopes, please indicate this on your pledge Wednesday book study, we card and we will put envelopes in your church begin a new book by Diane mailbox. Please do not mail cash. Butler-Bass , “Christianity

After Religion: The End of 5. Bill Pay with your bank - Online banking is the Church and the Birth another alternative for you to pay your payment. of a New Spiritual You can set up the First Congregational Church Awakening.” The book as a payee or vendor in your list with payment to looks at the emerging church be automatically mailed to First Church. Contact and the movement of those News your bank for more details. whose claims are “spiritual but not religious.” It is a 6. Money Order or Cashier’s Check - Please do not hopeful plea to both send money through the mail. If you do not have individuals and churches to step into our new a checking account and the other payment understandings of faith in order to create fresh new ways options do not apply, we recommend you send a of being in relationship with God and one another. money order or cashier’s check with your full

name written on the check and indication that it’s The book group is open to friends and members of First to apply to your pledge. Church! Everyone is invited to study with us in the coming year. The group meets from 11a.m.-noon the first and third Wednesday of every month. Join us! - Recent Actions by Faith Groups, Rev. Tim Government on Middle East

6 Ways to Pay Your Pledge The U.S. Senate decided not to add three proposed By Sharon Leidheiser, Business Administrator amendments to a defense spending bill that would have reduced or eliminated funding for the Palestinian Authority, including funding for hospitals, schools, water Did you know there are six forms of payment that First and electricity. This was a response to the United Church accepts towards your pledge? Nations action to upgrade the Palestinian Authority

status in the General Assembly. 1. Stock, Bond, Mutual Funds, CD Transfers - We

accept all of these forms of payment towards a Also, the 2012 General Conference of the United pledge. If you have stocks, bonds, CD’s that are Methodist Church voted to boycott Israeli settlement not performing well and want to avoid possible products. Among them is SodaStream, a home capital gains, you can instead transfer the carbonation device labeled 'Made In Israel.’’ In truth, it is security to our account at Charles Schwab to made in a settlement built on Palestinian land near apply to your pledge. Jerusalem and Bethlehem.

2. Direct Deposit through Payroll Deduction - Many “As an occupier, Israel is in violation of humanitarian and companies will allow you to make a payroll international law by profiting from occupied Palestinian deduction from your paycheck. Church members land,’’ according the General Conference. It said the find this way of paying their pledge easy “vote recognizes the immorality and illegality of because the company takes it out automatically settlement products and mandates local churches to every pay period. Each company has a different act." way of setting this deduction process up, contact

your Human Resources representative or There is more information on the Web site of Churches Payroll Specialist at your company to see if this for Middle East Peace, a coalition of 24 national church is an option. denominations and organizations, including the United

Church of Christ (www.cmep.org), and at 3. Personal Check - Write your check to First http://www.bdsmovement.net/call. – Dawn George Church and indicate in the memo field PLEDGE so we know the money applies to your pledge.

First Church News

Chicago Doctoral Work Moves Upcoming Sermons into High Gear at the end of January Rev. Ahrens Preaching By the Rev. Timothy C. Ahrens, Senior Minister January 6 – Epiphany! I want to thank so many people who have asked Texts: Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:1-12; questions about the work being done on my doctorate. Matthew 2:1-12 AsFirst you know, Church I am in a doctoral News course of studies Communion Meditation: “Light Shine” granted through Chicago Theological Seminary (CTS), a United Church of Christ seminary. January 13 – The Baptism of Our Lord – Texts: Psalm 29, Isaiah 43:1-7; Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15- My advisor is the Rev. Dr. Susan Thistlethwaite, 17, 21-22 Professor of Theology, and former President of CTS. Baptismal Meditation: “Baptism Matters” The doctoral dissertation’s working title is “Young and Growing Stronger: Creating a Model for a New January 20 – The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Generation of 21st Century Prophetic Witness Leaders.” Sunday Texts: Isaiah 62:1-5; Psalm 36:5-10; I Corinthians 12:1- During 2013, I will complete between 40-50% of my 11; John 2:1-11 class work. Most of my class work is done from Sermon: “Becoming King” Columbus. I will not take away from pastoral time and energy to complete my studies. I will go to Chicago the January 27 – Congregational Meeting Sunday – One last weeks in January and August, utilizing my two service at 10 a.m. weeks of continuing education. Texts: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6,8-10; Psalm 19; I Corinthians 12:12-31a, Luke 4:14-21 I will take a course titled, “Theological Reflection” in Title: “The Constitution of Jesus” January. From February-May, I will take an online course titled “Theological Anthropology.” In August, I will UCC Helps in Anti-Obesity Effort return to campus for research methodology. In the fall, I By UCC News will take “Dangerous Religious Ideas” with Dr. Rachel Mikva, a Jewish theologian who is part of the full-time faculty at CTS. In November-December, I plan to take a The campaign to get churches involved in the fight course at Franklin University on “Creative Leadership.” against childhood obesity is picking up steam heading into 2013, with a little help from New Year’s resolutions. With class work mostly complete during the year, 2014 Barbara Baylor, the United Church of Christ’s minister will be the time for deepening research and developing for health care justice, wants to see children get or and testing models with youth and young adults in our remain active by starting 2013 with achievable, fun goals congregation in close-by college and university settings. that encourage health on a variety of levels. If all goes well, the writing will commence in late 2014 and conclude in the spring of 2015. Doctoral degrees for “Usually you say you want to lose 10 pounds,” Baylor my class will be conferred in May 2015. said. “Think about broadening the goal beyond physical health. You have to be healthy on a physical, mental, Thank you for your prayers and support as I jump with emotional, spiritual and social level. They all come both feet into my studies in 2013. together. If you feel good about yourself spiritually, it impacts your physical health.” Cookie Mission A Big Success The United Church of Christ is helping children fight childhood obesity through a partnership with the White Thank you church members and friends for baking House in a nationwide initiative, the Campaign for cookies, preparing them for delivery and delivering them Healthy Kids, started by first lady Michelle Obama. to members who were shut in or needed Christmas cheer. Besides delivering cookies to members, we The White House is concentrating on seven states, providedFirst cookies Church to the men News at the YMCA. Many (Ohio, Colorado, Mississippi, New Mexico, New York, members expressed thanks for the cookies and most Tennessee, and Wisconsin) organizing faith leaders to importantly the time many of you spent visiting. promote good nutrition and physical activity. BlessingsFirst to allChurch who helped! News – Sharon Leidheise r

First Church News

Council Summary The final meeting of the current Council will be held on Tuesday, January 15, 2013. – Submitted by Bev Cook, December 2012 secretary

In the final meeting for 2012, Council approved the budget for 2013. Budget and Finance may make some Director for Programming and adjustments dependent on year-end financials. The final Promotions Hired by Conference budget will be presented to the congregation at the annual meeting on January 27. The Ohio Conference of the United Church of Christ is pleased to introduce Administration Commissioner Neal Rev. David Zerby as the new Outdoor Brower reported that $520,000 in Ministries Director for Programming and pledges for 2013 have been Promotions. David had been serving as received to date. There are still the Lead/Coordinating Pastor of New pledging units from 2012 who have Vision UCC and Congregational UCC in not responded and the Stewardship Committee was Canton. hopeful that more pledges would be received by the end of December. David starts his new position with Outdoor Ministries on Reports were given on the status of the Jeffrey window January 1. He brings to the program: removal and the new computers purchased for the church staff. Although the window removal was near * More than 13 years of ordained ministry completion, stone work at the top of the window was discovered to be in poor condition and repairs need to * Extensive work in program development and be made before the window can be reinstalled later in implementation within faith-based settings 2013. Bids on the stone work repair have been requested from several companies. The computers have * Ability to effectively recruit, equip and empower staff all been purchased and to date three had been installed. and volunteers

Council approved the fudge sale project as a fundraiser * Personal involvement and love for church for the youth and the proceeds will help fund their 2013 camp/outdoor ministries; as a child, youth and an adult summer mission trip. It also approved a mission endowment request from Moderator Gerry Worth to David’s email address is [email protected] if support Heather Giffen as she works with a hospice you’d like to extend him a message of congratulation. program in Guguletu, South Africa, and to help purchase curriculum and supplies for the children of All Nations Indian Church, UCC, in Minneapolis. Heather is involved Budget Update in both these projects. Pledges Budgeted The remainder of the money from mission endowment will be split between the Mid-Ohio Food Bank and the $624,243 Good Samaritan program. In an additional motion, the November Actual Pledges Council agreed that the moving expenses for the new $42,014.59 Minister of Music would be split between the Trustees Pledges Needed Monthly and the current budget. $52,020.25 Pledges Year to Date Marti Rideout will be recognized for her outstanding $516,348.60 service as Interim Minister of Music on her last Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013. Marti is completing her second term as an November and December Mission Offerings interim at First Church and has blessed us all with her BOBS $1,358.77 leadership and her beautiful gift of music. Kevin Jones, Sandy Relief $ 661.54 our new Minister of Music, will play for worship for the BOBS $1,205.16 first time on January 13. BOBS $3,488.27

First Church News

Recent Gifts to First Church Member Happy January Birthdays By Bill Johannes and Jane Werum 2: Amos White 16: Dee Sturgill 2: Gerry Worth 16: Lisa Warrick Given to the Legacy Fund by Marie 3: Rick Welch 17: Ben Wiant 4: Sarah Giffen 19: Jordan Cole Pfeiffer 4: Jorge Polo 19: Cameron Wade 4: Mark Williams 20: John Deliman Given to the Legacy Fund in celebration 4: Matt Allen 20: Yan Ke of Barbara Reed’s special birthday by 4: Jordan Knerr 20: Mike Henderson 4: James Knerr II 24: Joyce Ward Ruth Allred, Reba Alton, Suzanne 5: James Woodard 24: Sarah Lange Beachy, Sarah Borror, Mary Jane Brandt, Toby Brief, 5: Tom Hadley II 24: Kevin Butler Betty Cameron, Jody Copp, Patricia Durbin, Lori 5: Lay Ke 25: Aryn Mason Essman, Melinda Frank, Dawn George, Carolyn 6: Taimur Chaudhri 26: Gunter Garbe 7: Harry Guynn 26: Julie Stewart Gerlach, Miriam Glessner, Stuart Grossman, Betsy 7: Gary Gray 27: Janet Younger Heer, Pamela Hill, Karen Houk, Charles and Eleanor 8: Brad Keely 27: Tanya Miller Hyatt, Marilyn Hyatt, Nancy Kaufman, Vicki 8: Mary Bishop 28: Ben Lightbourne Kemmerling, Lynne Kishler, Lucille Kropp, Lynnette 9: Carl Gelfius 28: Teresa Polo 11: Ray Pendell 28: Katherine Kutschbach Legg, John Lewis, Mary Liggett, and many others 12: Linda Mumford 29: Jane Ward whose names will appear in the next First Church 13: Jim Fewlass 29: Tom Brownfield News. 13: Eddie Fleurant 29: Martha Fullemann 13: Lloyd Allen 29: Sarah Mitchell 13: Abby Cave 29: Wayne Henry Given to the Jackie Owen Memorial Music Fund by 13: Kendra Worley 29: Amy Fulton William Owen. 14: Katie Waller 31: Hamish Baird 14: Emily Bennett 31: Laura Collins Your gifts, payable to the First Congregational Church, 15: Thom Smith 16: Pam Kallner are very much appreciated. Celebration Gifts may be designated to the Remembrance Fund or an Endowment Fund and given in honor of a particular moment in the Member Happy January Anniversaries life of friend or family member. The gold-colored 4: Kristi Thompson and Stanley Myers 5: Malini Gnanatheeban and Pavan Peter Celebration Gift folders can be found in the church pews 6: Deena and David Bowers and the Church office. If you would like to support First 9: Barbara and David Knox Church as part of your estate planning, please contact 16: Carol and James Woodard Rev. Ahrens or a Trustee. 25: Marilyn and Ed Minteer

OOPS! If we miss your birthday or anniversary, contact Denny Missions Offering Schedule Mahoney at 228-1741, ext. 17, or [email protected]. In January, the undesignated loose offerings will benefit the following Thursday Fellowship Meets January 10 missions that First Church supports: The Thursday Fellowship will meet at 10 a.m. in the Parlor on Thursday, January 10, for refreshments and January 6 - Good Samaritan then hear from Building Manager Tom Luff on the many January 13 – CWS Blanket Fund changes, improvements and challenges of our building. January 20 – UCC Witness for Justice Everyone is welcome. January 27 – Faith Mission Marti Rideout will be honored after

the 11 a.m. service on January 6 for her work as Interim Music Next Newsletter Deadline Minister. Plan to attend and thank The deadline for submitting articles for the February Marti for giving so much to First Church News is January 21 at noon. It will be published Friday, February 1. First Church.

Calendar

Tuesday , January 1 12 pm – Fellowship Hour – PH New Year’s – Building Closed 12 pm – Constitution Information Session – LC Wednesday, January 2 6 pm – Sonreir – PH and Youth Room 11 am – Book Study – Parlor Monday, January 21 Thursday, January 3 (Martin Luther King Day, Building Closed) 6:15 pm – First Church Ringers – Gallery Tuesday, January 22 7:30 pm – First Church Choir – Choir Room/Sanctuary 12 pm – Care Ministry – LC Friday, January 4 7 pm – BREAD Team Meeting – LC 11 am – Lee Burba Funeral Service – San 7 pm – Personnel – PFR Saturday, January 5 Thursday, January 24 10:30 am – Chris Mondiek Memorial Service - San 6:15 pm – First Church Ringers – Gallery Sunday, January 6 (Epiphany) 7:30 pm – First Church Choir – Choir Room/Sanctuary 9 am – Worship – PH Sunday, January 27 9 am – Teen/Treble Choir – Choir Room 10 am – Worship – PH 10 am – Christian Education Hour – Rooms C and D 11 am – Congregational Meeting – San 10 am – First Church Choir 12 pm – Fellowship Hour and Luncheon – PH 11 am – Worship – San 6 pm – Middle School Youth – Middle School Room 12 pm – Fellowship Hour – PH 6 pm – Sonreir – PH and Youth Room 6 pm – Sonreir – PH and Youth Room Monday, January 28 Monday, January 7 7 pm – Budget and Finance - LC 6 pm – Church Growth/Parish Life – PFR Tuesday, January 29 Tuesday, January 8 12 pm – Care Ministry – LC 12 pm – Care Ministry – LC Thursday, January 31 6 pm – Music Committee – Parlor 6:15 pm – First Church Ringers – Gallery 7 pm – Executive Committee – PFR 7:30 pm – First Church Choir – Choir Room/Sanctuary Thursday, January 10 10 am – Thursday Fellowship – Parlor Fellowship Hour Beverage Sales 6:15 pm – First Church Ringers – Gallery 7:30 pm – First Church Choir – Choir Room/Sanctuary Saturday, January 12 Coffee and tea sales will be available 10 am – First Church Quilters – LC January 6 and 20 during Fellowship Sunday, January 13 Hour. This is a UCC coffee project and 9 am – Worship – PH your participation is greatly appreciated. 9 am – Teen/Treble Choir – Choir Room 10 am – Christian Education Hour – Rooms C and D 10 am – Constitution Information Session – LC 10 am – First Church Choir 11 am – Worship – San 12 pm – Fellowship Hour – PH

12 pm – Constitution Information Session – LC 6 pm – Middle School Youth – Middle School Room 6 pm – Sonreir – PH and Youth Room Monday, January 14 7 pm – Trustees – LC Tuesday, January 15 12 pm – Care Ministry- LC 7 pm – Church Council – LC Wednesday, January 16 11 am – Book Study - Parlor

Thursday, January 17 6:15 pm – First Church Ringers – Gallery 7:30 pm – First Church Choir – Choir Room/Sanctuary Saturday, January 19 9 am – House and Grounds - PFR Sunday, January 20 9 am – Worship – PH 9 am – Teen/Treble Choir – Choir Room 10 am – Christian Education Hour – Rooms C and D 10 am – Constitution Information Session – LC 10 am – First Church Choir 11 am – Worship – San

Prayers

January Fellowship Hour January 13: Romans January 20: Ruth January 27: Annual Meeting

January Acolyte Schedule

January 6 Emma Rau and Erin Murray January 13: Jack Koscher and Luke Zimmerman January 20: Ben Allen and Will Zimmerman January 27: Jack Koscher and Dylan Hopcraft

(Schedules online at www.first-church.org)

Worship CDs Available: We provide copies of worship services on CDs. The CDs are available in the literature rack outside the church office after worship. A $1 donation for the CD can be left in a container on the church office counter.

Prayer Request: Please let us know of a prayer concern for yourself, a family member or other church member by calling the Rev. Timothy Ahrens at 614.228.1741, ext. Church Staff 13, by using prayer request cards found in each pew or Timothy C. Ahrens...... Senior Minister by emailing [email protected]. Janine Wilson………………...... Associate Minister Marti Rideout………………...... Interim Minister of Music Mark S. Williams...... Director of Christian Education G. Dene Barnard...... Organist Choirmaster Emeritus Sharon Leidheiser...... Business Administrator Deaths Martha Worth...... Program Manager Nancy Hadley – December 10 Denny Mahoney...... Office Manager Ed Waller – December 14 Thomas Luff………………………………………….Building Manager Christopher Mondiek – December 15 Kelvin Murphy………………………………………………….Custodian Lee Burba – December 25 William Lee………….…………………………..…...... Custodian Rosemary Pawandiwa-Priore……………………………….Nursery Summer Petras, Sarah Welsh-Huggins…………………Nursery Baptisms Linda Mumford...... Wedding Coordinator Lliam Everett Collins – December 9 Jane Chavers…...... Wedding Coordinator Andrew James McWilliams – December 9 Fran Panek...... Wedding Coordinator Lisa Dean………………………………………..Wedding Coordinator Aubrey Schmitt – December 23 Church Council Weddings Gerry Worth...... Moderator Kendra Knight and Tyler McDowell – December 1 Sarah Reed...... Vice-Moderator Bev Cook/Jim Griffin………...... …..Secretary/Assistant Cindy Conn/Ken Salak...... Treasurer/Assistant Neal Brower/Jim Fewlass….……..Administration/Assistant Melissa Prendergast/Deb Thompson.Church Growth/Asst. Tanya Miller/Deana Armstrong…...... Education/Asst Charlie Weaver/Rick Sayre.....House & Grounds/Assistant Bruce Panek/Matt Allen…..………………….Mission/Assistant ~ Remember Your Loved Ones ~ Cori Rowley/Catherine Kennedy………Parish Life/Assistant With a Dedication of Flowers Elaine Warren...... Senior Deacon Contact Marty Worth at 614.228.1741,ext. 14, Betty Johnson.….…………………………………………………Deacon [email protected] Jim Gallagher/Greg Halbe.…..Music, Arts, Heritage/Asst. David Holt…………….………………………………Nominating Chair Randy Hoffman…………….…..…………………………………Trustees James Knerr ………...... Member-at-large Lisa Morris……..……...... Member-at-large

The First Congregational Church United Church of Christ 444 E. Broad St. Columbus, Ohio 43215-3821

DATED MATERIAL - VERY IMPORTANT Please Deliver By: Thursday, Jan. 3, 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