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FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH First Church NewsUNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST Columbus, Ohio

September 2018Volume 166 No. 9

“Body Builders of Christ”Teach us to build; upon the solid rockWe set the dream that hardens into deed,Ribbed with the steel that time and change doth mock,The unfailing purpose of our noblest creed.Teach us to build; O Master, lend us sightTo see the towers gleaming in the light.“We Would Be Building” verse 2, The Rev. Dr Purd Deitz

By Rev. Dr. Tim Ahrens“Build” is our theme for 2018-2019. What a great theme to choose from the Long-Range Plan words that moves us to action. In a sense, we are all called to be building up the body of Christ at First Church. We are called to be Body Builders of Christ! September marks our launch into the fall program year. We will literally be building – in and around the church as we build a spiritual, educational, and worship centered program that serves you all in the coming year. Our staff and lay leadership at First Congregational Church, UCC, Columbus has been hard at work getting ready for a glorious fall season. From Worship and preaching, to Christian Education, to Music Ministry, to Stewardship, to justice and mercy missions, to Celebration/Legacy Sunday, to the start of our 2019 Confirmation Class and joy of being back together again, we have been preparing for a great fall season! We are building. Building projects… The Women’s/Family Restroom projects will be completed this month. The pointing on our 1931 Parish House is soon to be completed and now we wait for the windows to come back from Franklin, Iowa and to be reinstalled. The Washington Gladden Social Justice Park is moving toward completion and we are looking forward to a dedication in mid-late October. The City of Columbus’ Cleveland Avenue and Gay Street Projects are getting closer to completion. Building Programs… This issue is packed with information about the Fall Program Year. You can read about the excitement that has been “building.” Here are some highlights as we move joyfully into the Fall. On September 2 – Labor Day Sunday/End of Sermon Series - I will bring a close to the six-part sermon series, “The New Social Gospel.” My communion meditation will be entitled, “The New Social Gospel.” The entire series will be printed in booklet form. In addition, we will have all the sermons posted online and our podcasts are be available for you to hear

and share. On September 2, we will also celebrate Holy Communion at both services. We will also welcome Dr. Robert “Robbe” Delcamp to our Sabbatical Interim. Robbe will be filling in for Kevin Jones until November 4 while Kevin is on sabbatical. Following worship at 9 and 11 a.m., I will lead my fourth and final “Tim Tour.” Over 70 people have joined us on our 30-45 minute “walk-abouts” over the past three months. Come join us for worship and the walking tour. On September 8 – the Jubilate Choir Retreat – 10 a.m. If you a child, a parent or grandparent, you should know we have one of the best youth choral instructors and leaders ANYWHERE. Dr. Sandy Mathias is a widely celebrated and highly recognized choral instructor. To sing with “Dr. M” is a great gift. Come and join the retreat for young singers. We need to build our beautiful choirs. This is a good day to do it. On September 9 – The 16th Anniversary of ONA – Faith Formation Kick-off, Adult Choir Returns, Disaster Relief Kits, Youth start with picnic dinner - Faith Formation kicks off at 10 a.m., as we welcome all ages for the beginning of our 2018-2019 year of study and learning, the Adult Choir returns and we launch into a whole new season! The fun begins on the Second Sunday of September! Bring friends, children, grandchildren, co-workers and NEIGHBORS to church! My sermon is entitled, “Jesus Was Open and Affirming.” We will assemble over 100

In this issue…

Senior Minister News page 1 Education News page 4 Music News page 9 Church News page 11 Justice and Mercy News page 11 Social Justice Park New page 12 West Lot News page 13 Joys and Concerns page 13 Calendar of Events page 14 Birthdays and Anniversaries page 14

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disaster relief kits following worship at 9 and 11 a.m. Don’t miss this opportunity to serve our neighbors in need. At 6 p.m. all middle and high school youth and parents are invited to our kick-off picnic. Don’t miss this great night of fun. On Wednesday, September 12 – noon – Tea at Kelton House – and special speech on Gladden. Because of the Washington Gladden Social Justice Park, I have been invited to speak on Dr. Gladden and the Park. I will deliver my first speech about this on 9/12 at noon. Call the Kelton House for details – 614-464-2022. On September 16 – Gladden Scholars, youth choirs lead us and Bibles for Fourth Graders and more - We celebrate our 2018 Gladden Scholars and all fourth graders received their Bibles. Our youth will lead us with music. It will be a glorious day for music, education and worship.On September 23 – We are 166 years young! It’s time to Celebrate our Legacy! We will build relationships with an all-church picnic and party after the 11 a.m. service. We will celebrate in worship, at 9 and 11 a.m. and then celebrate with a picnic on the West Lot (under the tent) and lots of games for children of all ages. Thanks to the Christian Education/Congregational Life/Trustees in their work together on this Celebration and Legacy Sunday! September 30 – Youth Mission Trip Presentation – 10 a.m., Baptism at 11 a.m., and First “Congregational Concert” at 4 p.m. Our youth had a fantastic mission trip in June in West Franklinton in conjunction with Gladden Community House. They will share their experience with us at 10 a.m. We celebrate the baptism of Abel Maverick Logel at 11 a.m. and then welcome organist, Monica Czausz to the first Congregational Concert of the 2018-2019 season at 4 p.m. Building Purpose… I love the hymn, “We Would Be Building,” by The Rev. Dr. Purd Deitz, the great-grandfather of Alec Deitz. He wrote the hymn for a church youth conference back in the 1920’s. The words call us to deeply reflect on how we live and build up our faith in Jesus Christ. It is easy to get lost in projects and programs and forget the purpose of why we follow Jesus. He calls us to build-up our spiritual lives of prayer and to live out our faith in meaningful ways. We build upon a rock of salvation with intent and purpose. What a gift! I believe, it is the children and teens who call us to live our values, follow Christ and fulfill God’s purpose in our lives. If we are lost, they are lost. If we flounder and wander with no direction, they will too. So, how are you building a life of faith and purpose in your home and family? How are you listening to them when they say they want to pray or go to church? When they get up to go and you sleep in, what message does that send? They can teach us a few things. They love our church and our church family. They don’t hesitate to share it with others. We should be more like them.As I step into this 19th fall season with you, I am excited to see how we I build up the body of Christ at First Church. We are Body Builders. Let’s come together and build together beginning again… September 2! Love, Tim

September Sermon Titles and TextsSeptember 2 – Holy Communion, Final Sermon in Sermon SeriesCommunion Meditation: “The New Social Gospel” by the Rev. Dr. Tim Ahrens

Texts: Song of Solomon 2:8-13; James 1:17-27; Mark 7:1-8,14-15,21-23

September 9 – Fall Program Kicks-off! Sermon Title: “Jesus is Open and Affirming” by the Rev. Dr. Tim Ahrens

Texts: Proverbs 22:1-2,8-9,22-23; James 2:1-10,14-17; Mark 7:24-37

September 16 – Gladden Scholars in Worship / Children lead us /Bibles presented to Fourth GradersBaptism Meditation: Living, Loving and Giving by the Rev. Emily Krause Corzine

Texts: Proverbs 1:20-33, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38

September 23 – Celebration/Legacy Sunday – Come Celebrate our 166th AnniversarySermon title: “Humility that Comes from Wisdom” by the Rev. Dr. Tim Ahrens

Texts: Psalm 1, Jeremiah 11:18-20, James 3:13-4:3,7-8a; Mark 9:30-37

September 30 – Baptism, and Concert at 4 p.m.Baptismal Meditation: “Prayers That Save” by the Rev. Dr. Tim Ahrens

Texts: Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50

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Tuesday, September 4 at 5 p.m. : Congregational Conversation about the Men and Women Living on First Church Grounds By Rev. Dr. Tim AhrensGrace and peace to you in the name of Christ Jesus our Savior.For years, in various meaningful ways, First Church has extended welcome and care to our neighbors who are homeless in the heart of our city. In the past few years, a growing number of men and women living on the streets have come to find safety and rest on the exterior of our grounds - in the shelter of our church’s entrances, under overhangs and on our benches near the playground. That nightly number has risen to as many as five or six in recent months, and the belongings, trash, and more of these neighbors are increasingly being left in various areas around the building. In addition, there has been damage to facilities which has occurred and several incidents of inappropriate behavior have been reported.I believe we need to talk about this as a congregation – in some way soon – as we confront in real life Jesus’ call in Matthew 25:35-40 and the practical implications that arise from this situation and impact the staff, members, and visitors as well as the property. We need to discuss and prayerfully find creative solutions to this growing need of those who are finding shelter on the grounds of First Church. Everyone is invited. To this end, we will gather this coming Tuesday night, September 4 from 5 -7 p.m. in Parish Hall for pizza and conversation. Please enter the building through either the Education Wing entrance or the elevator – look for signs to direct you to the meeting space. Child care will be provided – although we might want to have our children present for dinner around 6 p.m. EVERYONE IS INVITED. Just come!I have the support of our Moderator, the Board of Deacons and staff in calling us together for this purposeful conversation. I am calling us together to have a purposeful congregational conversation. I have asked Ms. Barb Poppe, one of our nation’s top experts on homelessness to lead us in this in conversation. We are blessed to count to Barb as a member of First Church.Ms. Barbara Poppe is the Founder of Barbara Poppe and Associates. She is nationally recognized leader in achieving data driven solutions through collaborative processes. Serving as the executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, she not only developed and launched the first ever federal strategic plan to end homelessness, she oversaw the implementation of the plan and execution of strategies that achieved significant measurable results. Working at a local level, she led the Community Shelter Board in Columbus, Ohio, a public-private partnership that operated as a backbone organization to address homelessness. She is also serving on the Washington Gladden Social Justice Park Board of Directors. We are blessed to have her as a member of church. I look forward to Barb’s leadership of our conversation on Tuesday evening.Please take 42 minutes before Tuesday Night to see this video from Dateline. Dateline: https://www.nbc.com/dateline/video/city-of-angels/3779455In addition, please pass the word. Come to reflect on our best choices “to act justly and love mercy and to walk humbly with our God” as we support the men and women living around the building of First Church.Thank you.

Confirmation Class 2019 Begins with Retreat: September 15 from 6 – 9 p.m. By Rev. Dr. Tim Ahrens Confirmation 2019 begins on September 15 with a retreat at 6 p.m. in the Education Wing Room D. I am excited to tell you at least 8 eighth grade teens are ready to explore their faith, learn the church’s history, meet people of other faiths, and spend time growing in relationship to God and one another. They will have an adult mentor who walks through the process with them. They will learn the Bible, church history, how our denomination works, how God, and Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit interact with each of them and as our Triune God. If you have an eighth or ninth grade teen – child or grandchild – who is not yet signed up, please be in touch with me. Neighbors can come too! My contact is: tahrens@first-church.org or 614-228-1741, ext. 13.

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Educationby Mark S. Williams, Director of Christian Education (mwilliams@first-church.org)

Sabbatical JourneyMark S. Williams, Director of Christian EducationAwareness, silence, mindfulness, meditation, prayer, gratitude, rest, centering, grounded are just a few words to describe this wonderful sabbatical journey. The focus of my sabbatical was on Christian Mindfulness. This area of study and learning was a new adventure for me. To assist me on this journey, I selected over 20 books to read that would spike my interest and learning.After a couple of weeks of decompressing, I headed to the Jesuit Retreat Center in Milford Ohio for a weekend retreat of meditation, yoga and silence. The retreat was led by Yoga On High. I have never been in a directed meditation class or yoga class and never participated in a silent retreat. I was definitely out of my comfort zone and yes, this meant no talking for an entire weekend. I survived! In fact, it was an amazing retreat. I thoroughly enjoyed the meditation and yoga classes. I discovered how refreshing it was to be silent. To be honest being silent was profound and something I wanted to investigate more.The daily literature reading continued throughout my sabbatical journey. I have listed below the bibliography of books that I read or are continuing to read.Several of the books were actually daily programs in meditation and Christian mindfulness. Each day and week brought new techniques for me to learn and explore. One technique was meditation/prayer walking. My walks were built around prayer, awareness and meditation. I started my walks each day at 6 a.m. No sleeping in on this sabbatical. This practice truly opened my mind and heart. At the end of my sabbatical I was up to walking 5.5 miles each day. I also practiced meditation and yoga on a daily basis before my daily readings.In mid July, I traveled to West Park, New York to Holy Cross Monastery. I was there for 4 days of reading, mediation, worship and silence. Yes another period of not speaking. Holy Cross is an amazing place that overlooks the Hudson River. Rev. Tim, Rev. Emily and Kevin Jones have all experienced this wonderful place. There I read all day under a beautiful tree and also watched deer, wild turkeys, eagles and boat traffic. Of course I continued my prayer walks and yoga.During this sabbatical, I learned more about “Centering Prayer” and how all these different techniques and approaches of prayer and meditation were deepening my connection to the Almighty. There were amazing times that I will be glad to share and others that are so profound that I think they should stay in my being. I am so grateful to the congregation of First Congregational Church for giving me this time to learn, rest and explore areas of growth that I would not had during my regular work hours. I am extremely grateful to Dr. Karen Mozingo for stepping in during my time away and caring so lovingly for our children and youth. A big thank you to Christian Education Commissioner Chris Gelpi, Christian Education Commissioner Elect Jenny Provenzano, and the Christian Education members for their work during the summer. A huge thank you to Rev. Emily and Matt Myers for leading the Youth Mission Trip to West Franklinton. Laundry Love was continued by the leadership of Amy Wagner and the many volunteers. Thank you so much. And of course, thanks to the entire staff of First Church, Rev. Tim, Rev. Emily, Amy Wagner, Marty Worth, Kevin Jones, Sharon Leidheiser and Mark Dahnke for all their support.My sabbatical time may be over but the learning continues. I hope to share more of my learning in the months ahead. I am not an expert in any of these areas that I embraced this summer but I have a better understanding and appreciation. I will continue to keep learning. Again, my gratitude to you all. It will be good to see and to worship with you all soon.Blessings.Mr. Mark

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Mr. Mark’s Sabbatical Bibliography“Mindfulness and Christian Spirituality: Making Space for God” by Ted Stead“Mindfulness: an Eight-Week Plan for Finding Peace in a Frantic World” by Mark Williams and Danny Penman“Into the Silent Land: A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation” by Martin Laird“Everything Belongs: the Gift of the Contemplative Prayer” By Richard Rohr“The Listening Life” by Adam S. McHugh“How to be a Mindful Christian” by Sally Welch“The Quiet Life” by Ray Ashford“Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day” by Peter Scazzero“An Altar in the World” by Barbara Brown Taylor“Sacred Rhythms” by Ruth Haley Barton“Embodied Prayer” by Celeste Snowber“Centering Prayers” by Peter Traben Haas“100 Things Every Child Should Know” by Rebecca Kirpatrick”“Holy Luck” by Eugene Peterson“A World of Prayer” edited by Rosalind Bradley “Leaving Church” by Barbara Brown Taylor“Southernmost” by Silas House“Braving the Wilderness” by Brene’ BrownContinuing to Read“No Innocent Bystanders” by Shannon Craigo-Snell & Christopher J. Doucot“Silence in the Age of Noise” by Erling Kagge“The Heart of Centering Prayer” by Cynthia Bourgeault“Simply Tuesday” by Emily P. Freeman“Finding the Stillpoint” by Tom Harpur“Unselfie” by Michele Borba

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Faith Formation Time Kicks Off September 9 By Karen A. MozingoInterim Christian Education Director karenmozingo@first-church.org The Faith Formation Time (Education Hour) on Sunday mornings begins on September 9. As an adult, maybe you’ve wondered what Sunday school means for you. We have the answer for you, and it includes two classes on Sunday morning at 10 a.m. These two tracks offer you two different ways of growing and shaping your life and faith in ways that draw you closer to God and into community with others. We also offer a place of meditation in the Gladden Chapel.The first track offers you both information and a chance to share your concerns and perhaps work out some answers to perplexing issues of faith, life and culture. The Faith and Life Class meets each week to discuss the tough issues confronting us as we grow in grace that relate to this year’s themes of “Build” and social justice. Such topics will include Washington Gladden and the Social Gospel, voting rights, homelessness, white privilege, and immigration. It is designed with two to four weeks on a single topic, but you can come anytime. The classes are led by members, guest speakers and friends of the congregation who have some expertise in the area. They will invite you to explore the issue and relate it to your personal faith. In addition, they’ll give you some tools and guidelines to help you grow in your faith and life.Our second track, the Opening the Word Class, does exactly that. Several ministers of the congregation will help you discover or rediscover Scripture. We invite you on a journey to grow and shape your faith and life in ways that take the Bible seriously as God’s rich and changing word to you. Topics in this track include studying anxiety, family systems, and Advent through Scripture. We hope you’ll join us Sundays as we form our faith and life together.

Church School for Children and Youth The Faith Formation Time (Education Hour) for young people also begins on September 9 at 10 a.m. The children and youth will use the curriculum “Seasons of the Spirit,” which is a wonderful resource for our teachers and leaders. Classes are available for all ages. The nursery is staffed for children ages 0-3 for Godly play activities and a safe nurturing environment. The 4th-5th grade class will meet on the first floor of the Education Wing. The preschool class will meet on the second floor along with the Kindergarten-1st grade class and 2nd-3rd grade class. Signs will be posted for locations of all the classes.

“Build” is Our Theme As our congregation moves forward into our 165th anniversary, and as we watch the completion of the Washington Gladden Social Justice Park, the construction boom of new homes around our church, the injustice occurring in our city, country, and around the world, the Education Committee developed the theme “Build” for Faith Formation time this year. Throughout the year we will examine how we can work together to build a landscape of social justice.

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Celebrating Our LegacySunday, September 23

12:30-3 p.m. on the West Lawn

First Church will provide chicken, a vegetarian option, and water.

Last Names- A-H: bring a side dishLast Names- I-P: bring sweets

Last Names – Q-Z: bring a salad

Remember to bring large portions to feed our neighbors!

**Celebration Games**Open House of Our Church**SuperGames

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Youth Meetings Begin September 9 Both the high school and middle school youth groups will kick-off this fall with a potluck dinner for the youth and their families on September 9 at 6 p.m. The dinner and fun time will be at the West Lawn of the church. If there is bad weather the event will be held in the Parish Hall. Everyone is asked to bring a salad, or side dish to share. Plans will be discussed for the year, including how our youth will be involved in fun time playing games.

Fourth Grade/New Youth Bible Presentation Each year our church presents a New Revised Standard Version gift Bible to children in the fourth grade, or those older who have joined in the past year. It is our way of encouraging our children in their faith journey. This year the presentation will be Sunday, September 16, during the 9 and 11 a.m. services.

Join Us for Laundry Love on September 25The children and youth of First Congregational Church invite you to join them in a year-long mission project called “Laundry Love.” “Laundry Love” is an initiative in partnership with individuals, groups and local Laundromats throughout the US. The initiative helps to wash the clothes and bedding of individuals and/or families living in poverty. From the infant to the aged,

and across a broad spectrum of ethnicity, culture and personal story, Laundry Love seeks to nurture the well being of each person through intentional networking and friendship.The Children and Youth will be collecting quarters and donations of laundry detergent and dryer sheets from the congregation. We would love for members and friends to join us the last Tuesday of each month from 6 to 8 p.m. at WashLand Laundromat, 1469 West Broad Street in West Franklinton to serve those in need. Justice and Mercy Commission, Good Samaritan Fund and The Gladden House are also partnering with this important mission. We always welcome any to come and volunteer. This mission is solely dependent on your generous giving. Please continue to save your quarters, which is our biggest need at this time. So continue saving your quarters and donate to this worthy cause. The next Laundry Love day will be September 25. Come join us in serving those in need.

September 9th6-7:30pm

West LawnIf rain - Parish Hall

First Church

Youth Groupss& Families

Kick-Off PicnicKick-Off Picnic

Games

Food

Planning

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MusicJUBILATE CHOIR

Joyful Sound News

Calling all boys and girls in Grade 2-5!

What: ‘Joyful, Jubilant, Jubilate Choir Retreat’Where: Parish Hall at First ChurchWhen: September 8, 2018: arrive at 9:45 a.m. to register. What: Day’s agenda: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. games, singing, lunch, games, robefitting, singing, talent show (bring a talent to share) compose a song for the Social Justice Garden, snacks 2:45 p.m.: share with Parents 3 p.m.: DismissalBring: Lunch

If you are in Grades 2-5, and have not sung in the Choir, you are welcome to come to the retreat and ‘give us a try’! Please e-mail Director, Dr. Mathias at sjmath5659@gmail.com if you plan to come, so that we have enough materials for everyone. The Jubilate Choir regularly rehearses on Sunday mornings from 9-9:50 a.m. and sings at the 11 a.m. church service once a month, plus Lessons and Carols and the 7:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Service.

We welcome YOU!!

Jamie Bobb in Concert: Friday, September 21 at 7:30 p.m.Former First Church Organist and Capital University student and faculty member Jamie Bobb will perform an organ recital on the Paul W. and Ella D. Hugus Pipe Organ at Capital University on Friday, September 21 at 7:30 p.m. in Mees Hall Auditorium.

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The First Church Choir sings Choral Evensongwith organist Tyler W. Robertson

Responses: Kenneth LeightonPsalm 84, chant by Parry

Canticles: Stephen CaraccioloAnthem: William Mathias, “Make a Joyful Noise”

Choral Evensong

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Sep 4 pm

CONCERTSAT FIRST CHURCH

2018–2019First Congregational Church • United Church of Christ

444 East Broad StreetColumbus, Ohio 43215

www.concertsatfirstchurch.org

Young concert artist Monica Czausz performs on First Church’s two great instruments!

“Monica Czausz is already causing a stir in organ circles.”Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, October 2016

Monica Czuaszorganist

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Sep 4pm

CONCERTSAT FIRST CHURCH

2018–2019First Congregational Church • United Church of Christ

444 East Broad StreetColumbus, Ohio 43215

www.concertsatfirstchurch.org

Concerts at First ChurchPlease save the date for the first Choral Evensong on Sunday, September 16, at 4 p.m. as the First Church Choir with organist Tyler Robertson present music of Kenneth Leighton, Stephen Caracciolo, and William Mathias in this first of monthly evensongs. Also in September, young virtuoso Monica Czausz plays an organ recital on Sunday, September 30, at 4 p.m. offering music of Praetorius, Bach, Guy Bovet, Parry, Seth Bingham, and Paul Creston on both Beckerath and Kimball organs.

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Church NewsFirst Church Trustee Pie ContestThe Board of Trustees invite all First Church Bakers—young and old—to participate in the First Church Trustee Pie Contest during the Celebration of our Legacy on Sunday, September 26. Prizes will be awarded for the best-looking, most creative and tastiest Homemade Pies. There will be a junior division and a senior division. Get inspired and Celebrate our Legacy by baking your favorite pie.

Book ClubCurrent fiction and nonfictionBy Mary Jacobson, Church Vitality, Jackie Dean and Elaine WarrenWe would like to announce our next meeting dates and selected titles:

Monday, September 10 at 7 p.m. in Room A in the Education Wing.We will discuss Defending Jacob by William Landay.

Monday, October 1 at 7 p.m. in Room A in the Education Wing.We will discuss The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen.

There will be light refreshments. Join us for a lively discussion and bring with you any recommendations for future selections.

Sunday Construction Progress Tour: September 2 Join the Rev. Dr. Tim Ahrens for a brief tour to get an overview of the progress of the construction projects occurring both inside and outside of First Church. After the 9 a.m. service, meet Rev. Tim at the entrance of the Ralph Fanning Room, located on the first floor immediately across from the original church office. After the 11 a.m. service, the tour will begin at the chancel steps. The tours will last no more than 30 minutes.

Justice and Mercy NewsIn Preparing to Resettle Refugees please read “City of Thorns”, Nine lives in the world’s largest refugee camp by Ben Rawlence and “The Newcomers”, Finding Refuge, Friendship, and Hope in an American Classroom by Helen Thorpe. Books are in the public libraries.

Mission Offerings

Date Mission Amount ReceivedAugust 5 YMCA Family Center $619.46August 12 Church World Service Hygiene Kits $531.00August 19 Gladden Community House $1,633.40August 26 ACLU Ohio $1,227.25

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Washington Gladden Social Justice ParkBy Tom WorleyGreat progress has been made in the construction of the park. Current plans are for the park to open by the end of October. In the near future, a formal date will be announced for opening day ceremonies.Fundraising in the community has been very responsive to this project. We have raised in gifts and commitments a total of $640,000 towards a 2018 construction budget of $750,000. Only $40,000 of this amount came from church reserves designated for use for west lot improvements. We are confident that the remaining dollars needed for this year can be raised in the near future.The overall Phase One goal (2018-2019) is $1.85 million. This includes art projects and eventual endowments to fund programs and ongoing maintenance of the park. Also included in this target is $150,000 committed by the City of Columbus for infrastructure improvements that adjoin the park project. The City’s work will be completed by the time the park opens. We have begun a special community fundraising drive related to tree dedications for the park and guide stone dedications for its Pathway of Justice. For more information regarding these initiatives, please check the park’s website at: www.socialjusticepark.org. Information about these new community fundraising opportunities should be posted soon. If you have any questions, please contact Tom Worley at tworley@columbus.rr.com.Most of the donations for the park are being made to the Washington Gladden Social Justice Park Fund of the Columbus Foundation. Church council is responsible for appointing the Park Fund Trustees who oversee the investment and distribution of these funds. Trustees are: • Rabbi Harold Berman, Rabbi Emeritus of Congregation Tifereth Israel • Monsignor John Cody, Adjutant Judicial Vicar, Roman Catholic Diocese of Columbus • The Honorable Guy Cole, Chief U.S. Circuit Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals • Michael Curtin, former Vice-Chairman of Dispatch Printing Co. • Archie Griffin, former President and CEO of the OSU Alumni Association • Nancy Jeffrey, community leader • Imran Malik, Director of the Noor Islamic Cultural Center • Barbara Poppe, Founder and Principal of Barbara Poppe and Associates • Alejandro Rodriguez, Associate Vice President of Professional Development and HR Change Management,

Nationwide Insurance • Tracy Ross, Director of Neighborhood Ministries, Broad Street Presbyterian Church • Dr. Lynn Wallich, community leader• The Rev. Dr. Timothy Ahrens, Sr. Minister of First Congregational Church, UCC (ad-hoc non-voting member)The Trustees have appointed church members, Tom Worley to serve as Director and Malini Gnanatheeban to serve as Treasurer of the Park Fund.Our art consultants, Reese Brothers Productions, are coordinating a national art solicitation for two art projects intended for installation in 2019. They are conducting the solicitation with the cooperation of the Greater Columbus Arts Council and the Ohio Arts Council. One public art project is for a permanent overlay of the screen that serves as the main backdrop for the park. The overlay is to include a water feature. In the meantime, a temporary mural is intended to be in place in time for the park’s opening. The second public art project is for a premier sculpture to be located in the park nearest to the corner of Broad Street and Cleveland Avenue. The Park Planning Group initially has appointed the following individuals to serve on a judging panel related to the art solicitation: • Nannette Maciejunes, Director of the Columbus Museum of Art• Dr. Melanie Corn, President of CCAD• Barbara Nicolson, Ph.D., member of the Columbus Arts Commission• Dr. Mary Anne Orcutt• Becky Taft, member of the Church’s Art Committee.Council is in the process of appointing the members of the Park’s Governing Board. The Governing Board will assume responsibility for operating the park once it is completed. The board will include representatives of the church and the wider community. A majority of the board will be members of the church.

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West Lot ChangesThe House and Grounds Committee has approved a list of needed changes for the West Parking Lot. Pavement repairs have begun and should be completed by the end of August. In September, the lot will be sealed and striped to reflect a new parking pattern for the lot. Based upon the park’s design, the parking spaces in the lot will shift 5’ east and align with the grass edge of the west lawn. The current ramp to Connell alley also will shift east to accommodate the new aisle location. In time, a second ramp will be constructed to offer additional access to Connell alley. A utility pole needs removed to complete this project. New parking lot lights will be installed in October. The LED fixtures will greatly reduce the electrical costs for the parking lot. At the same time, new security lighting will be installed to light the west lawn and west façade of the church. Please note that the two older trees near the Narthex entrance will be removed as part of the park development. In their place, 40 new trees will be planted in the social justice park. The two small London plane trees that are at the Broad Street parking lot entrance will be moved to a new location on the church’s property.

First Church Joys and Concerns Members Celeste Feather; Martha Loy; Jane Weddle; Mary Kay Beall Carter; John Carter; Wayne Redenbarger; Andrew MacGregor; Wally Giffen; Lindy Miller; and Carl Miller; and those who mourn the loss of loved ones, including Arlene Reynolds, on the death of her friend Conrad Dalliet; and Anne Bennett and family, on the death of her mother, Maggie Brooks.Friends and Family Kristine Utterback, sister of Marge Whittenburg; Cindy Catlett, sister of Bill Lange; Clara Weyland and Mildred Livingston, sister and mother of Nancy Livingston; Ben Wiant; Joyce Marcum, sister of Betty Conn; and Brooke Chute, cousin of Amy Wagner; and those who mourn the loss of loved ones. We offer prayers for Kevin Jones, Minister of Music, who is on sabbatical through November 5.

Throughout the World We pray for all who are affected by extreme weather conditions throughout the world. We pray for the victims of sexual abuse in the Catholic churches in Pennsylvania. We pray for those who battle the wildfires across California and for the victims who have lost homes and lives. We pray for the victims of the earthquake in Indonesia. We pray for an end to the unrest in Yemen, Gaza, Afghanistan and Iraq. We pray for immigrant families still separated in detention facilities or in foster care around this country. We pray for immigrants and refugees who flee violence and abuse around the world.

In God’s Hands: The Ecumenical Prayer Cycle: This month in the Ecumenical Prayer Cycle, we pray with and for the following people and churches:

• Week of September 2: Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo• Week of September 9: Ghana, Nigeria• Week of September 16: Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay• Week of September 23: Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Peru• Week of September 30: Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela

Missionaries This month we pray the following missionaries:• Week of September 2: Jeanette Salley serving in Nicaragua• Week of September 9: Jeffrey Mensendiek serving in Japan• Week of September 16: Emmanuela Loccident serving in Morocco• Week of September 23: Mishan Bakalian serving in East Timor• Week of September 30: Robert Breckenridge serving in Zambia

If you have any prayer requests or joys to share, please contact the church office (awagner@first-church.org or 614-228-1741, ext. 10) or one of the ministers (ecorzine@first-church.org or 614-228-1741, ext. 21 or minister@first-church.org or 614-228-1741, ext. 13).

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Sunday, September 29 a.m. – Worship: Morning Prayer and Holy Communion – Parish Hall 10 a.m. – First Church Choir Warm Up – Choir Room10:10 a.m. – Tim’s Construction Progress Tour11 a.m. – Worship – Sanctuary 12:15 p.m. – Tim’s Construction Progress Tour

Monday, September 3: Labor Day – Building Closed

Tuesday, September 42 p.m. – Worship Planning – Children’s Library5 p.m. – Conversation about Homeless – Ralph Fanning Room5:30 p.m. – Sacred Earth – Children’s Library7 p.m. – Justice and Mercy – Children’s Library

Wednesday, September 511 a.m. – Book Study – Education Wing Room A

Thursday, September 67:15 p.m. – First Church Choir Rehearsal – Parish Hall

Saturday, September 88:30 a.m. – House and Grounds – Ralph Fanning Room10 a.m. – Jubilate Choir Retreat – Music Activities Rooms10 a.m. – First Church Quilters – Parish Family Room

Sunday, September 99 a.m. – Worship : Morning Prayer and Holy Communion – Parish Hall 9 a.m. – Exultate/Jubilate Choirs – Choir and Music Activities Rooms10 a.m. – First Church Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room10 a.m. – Faith Formation Time – Education Wing, Rooms C and D 11 a.m. – Worship – Sanctuary Noon – Fellowship Hour – Parish HallNoon – Stewardship Orientation and Lunch – Ralph Fanning Room 12:30 p.m. – Hymnal Supplement Committee – Choir Room6 p.m. – Youth Kick-Off Dinner – Parish Hall

Monday, September 109 a.m. – Good Samaritan Day – Ralph Fanning Room 6:30 p.m. – Christian Education Meeting – Mark Williams’ Office 7 p.m. – Trustees – Ralph Fanning Room7 p.m. – Book Club – Nursery

Tuesday, September 111 p.m. – Remembrance Committee – Nursery2 p.m. – Worship Planning – Children’s Library 7 p.m. – Executive Committee – Nursery

Wednesday, September 129:30 a.m. – Staff Meeting – Children’s Library

Thursday, September 137 p.m. – Security Team – Ralph Fanning Room7:15 p.m. – First Church Choir Rehearsal – Parish Hall

Saturday, September 156 p.m. – Confirmation Retreat – Children’s Library

Sunday, September 169 a.m. – Worship : Morning Prayer and Holy Communion – Parish Hall 9 a.m. – Exultate/Jubilate Choirs – Choir and Music Activities Rooms10 a.m. – First Church Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room10 a.m. – Faith Formation Time – Education Wing, Rooms C and D 11 a.m. – Worship – Sanctuary Noon – Fellowship Hour – Parish Hall12:30 p.m. – Confirmation – Education Wing Room D6 p.m. – High School Youth Group – Parish Hall

Monday, September 17Noon – Care Ministry – Nursery5:30 p.m. – Budget and Finance – Ralph Fanning Room7 p.m. – Personnel – Parish Family Room

Tuesday, September 182 p.m. – Worship Planning – Children’s Library7 p.m. – Church Council – Nursery

Wednesday, September 1911 a.m. – Book Study – Nursery

Thursday, September 20Deadline for Newsletter Articles7:15 p.m. – First Church Choir Rehearsal – Parish Hall

Sunday, September 23: Legacy Sunday9 a.m. – Worship : Morning Prayer and Holy Communion – Parish Hall 9 a.m. – Exultate/Jubilate Choirs – Choir and Music Activities Rooms10 a.m. – First Church Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room10 a.m. – Faith Formation Time – Education Wing, Rooms C and D 11 a.m. – Worship – Sanctuary Noon – Legacy Sunday Meal – West Lot6 p.m. – Middle and High School Youth Groups – Parish Hall

Monday, September 247 p.m. – Deacons Meeting – Education Wing Room D

September Calendar

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Tuesday, September 252 p.m. – Worship Planning – Children’s Library6 p.m. – Laundry Love – WashLand Laundromat, 1469 West Broad Street 7 p.m. – Hymnal Supplement Committee – Choir Room

Wednesday, September 269:30 a.m. – Staff Meeting – Ralph Fanning Room

Thursday, September 277:15 p.m. – First Church Choir Rehearsal– Parish Hall

Friday, September 281 p.m. – Faith Mission Meal Preparation – Kitchen

Sunday, September 309 a.m. – Worship : Morning Prayer and Holy Communion – Parish Hall 9 a.m. – Exultate/Jubilate Choirs – Choir and Music Activities Rooms10 a.m. – First Church Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room10 a.m. – Faith Formation Time – Education Wing, Rooms C and D 11 a.m. – Worship – Sanctuary Noon – Fellowship Hour – Parish Hall4 p.m. – Organ Recital: Monica Czausz – Sanctuary

September SchedulesSeptember Fellowship Hour ScheduleSeptember 2 No HostSeptember 9 ZechariahSeptember 16 ActsSeptember 23 Celebration / Legacy Block PartySeptember 30 Jeremiah

September Mission Offering ScheduleSeptember 2 Coalition of Immokalee WorkersSeptember 9 First Church Refugee Resettlement FundSeptember 16 Horizon Prison MinistrySeptember 23 Trustee Legacy FundSeptember 30 CROP Walk

September Acolyte ScheduleSeptember 2 Alyssia Palmer Sebby KulwickiSeptember 9 Alyssia Palmer AnnaSophia Severson September 16 Jack Patterson Finnegan Miller September 23 Lincoln Glaros Grace GlarosSeptember 30 Ruby Holt Alyssia Palmer

9/5 Becky and Brad West9/6 Elisa and Andrew Batchelor9/9 Diane and Kent Rambo9/10 Elizabeth Drotleff and Eric Chambers9/16 Bev and Bert Cook Lisa and Andy Thomas9/19 Kathryn and Shea Watts9/21 Susan and Bill Rhoads

9/2 Diane Cole Miguel Gonzalez9/3 Emily Corzine9/4 Kinsley Schmitt9/5 Elisa Batchelor Eden McKissick-Hawley Grant McCrary9/6 Alice Panek9/8 Sallie Danneberger Torrie Lute9/9 Kosby Carrico Steven Ferris9/10 Amy Nicholson9/12 Linda Reiger Aarn Cunningham9/13 Angela Trautman9/14 Doug Zimmerman9/15 Kai Rozmiarek9/16 Charles Hire Carly Kutschbach9/18 Anthony Brown Jim Monsul Christopher Washington9/19 John Bachman Ava Leidheiser9/20 Jim Gallagher Randy Hoffman Keith Kulwicki9/21 Shannon Washington9/22 Janette Hoffman9/23 Victor John Stan Lange9/25 Jordan Gies9/26 Gerry Hudson Daniel Ahrens9/27 Bernie Bouman Pavan Peter Ron Reiger Dawn Sayre9/28 Tom Kuhn9/29 Pauline Fritz Betsy Zahn9/30 Cami Curren Scott Hamman Melissa Prendergast

September Calendar (continued) Member Anniversaries in September

Member Birthdays in September

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CHURCH STAFFSenior Minister Timothy C. Ahrens, D. Min.

Associate Minister Emily Krause Corzine, M. Div.Minister of Music Kevin Jones, M. M.(on sabbatical August 5-November 5)

Sabbatical Replacement Minister of Music Robbe Delcamp, DMus.Director of Christian Education Mark S. Williams, M. Ed.

Commissioned Minister for Social Justice Tom BrownfieldCommissioned Minister for

Spiritual Formation and DirectionJacquelyn Dean

Organist/Choirmaster Emeritus G. Dene BarnardJubilate Choir Director Sandra Mathias, Ph.D.

Business Manager Sharon LeidheiserProgram Manager Martha Worth

Office Manager Amy WagnerBuilding & Grounds Superintendent Mark Dahnke

Custodians Ross McNarry, Jimy SibrianWedding Coordinators Janet Axt, Margaret Cipriani, Diana Chandler, Amy Wagner, Katie Wagner

Nursery Staff Simone Ellerson, Natalie Barker, Taylre Arnold, Miranda Brooks

DIACONATESenior Deacon Janet Newcity

Deacons Anthony Brown, Valerie Conlin-Losinski, Bert Cook, Martha Fulleman, Shelly Gies, Todd Jacobson, Dayna McCrary, Karen Mozingo, David Nassau, Cori Page, Allison Lowery Palmer, Jorge Polo, Alex Rodriguez, James Velo

CHURCH COUNCILModerator Joe Baszynski

Moderator-Elect Lynn Wallich Treasurer Joe Hoffman

Assistant Treasurer Matt MyersSecretary Nancy Loy

Assistant Secretary Jim Griffin

COMMISSIONERSAdministration Chris Glaros, Elect - Greg Kellison

Church Growth/Vitality Tom Kiesel and Mary Anne Jacobson, co-chairs; Elect - Maria Brown and Lisa Fravel-Dean

Education Chris Gelpi, Elect - Jennifer ProvenzanoHouse & Grounds Gary Leidheiser, Elect - Mark Brown

Justice & Mercy Dawn George, Elect - Nicole MossMusic, Arts, & Heritage Joel Mathias, Elect - Drew Wade

Nominating Chair Kent Shimeall Member-at-large Pavan Peter

Youth-at-large Miriam Myers Deacon Council Representative Todd Jacobson

TRUSTEESChairperson Chris Farquhar

Treasurer Cindy ConnTrustees Brian Cave, Tom Hadley, John Martin, Sheldon Taft,

Elaine Warren, Keith White, Gerry Worth

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The First Congregational Church, UCC 444 E. Broad St., Columbus, Ohio 43215Phone: 614.228.1741 FAX: 614.461.1741 Email: home@first-church.orgWeb site: www.first-church.orgOffice Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Closed Major Holidays

“An Open & Affirming Faith Community”

SUNDAY WORSHIP HOURSWorship at 9 a.m. ~ Parish Hall Worship at 11 a.m. ~ Sanctuary

TO: