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

April 2018Volume 166 No. 4

Green Trees, Orange Barrels, and Noah’s Rainbow-Colored CarpetsBy Rev. Dr. Tim AhrensEaster Arrives on April 1. Construction on our building begins April 2. It’s Spring in Central Ohio!

With the coming of Spring, we see the growth of green trees and orange barrels in Central Ohio. It’s April and, once again, Earth Day meets Construction Zones. This April this comes home ever so meaningfully on the corner of Cleveland and Broad. As our Washington Gladden Social Justice Park continues to beautifully develop and take shape, we also have work being done all around the church and on our 1931 Parish House beginning Monday April 2. We are growing greener and more orange-like all at the same time! You have followed on Facebook, in the weekly Pastoral Epistles and in our weekly “Depart to Serve” the developments on Cleveland Avenue and Gay Street in the past few months. Now, we add more to the mix. Thanks to the vision and generosity of the First Church Trustees, we will have over $750,000 work done our church in the next seven months. We will see the improvement and saving of 46 sets of windows and the stone walls in most of the 1931 building. As we set our eyes to the future, we will need to raise funds for the stone and mortar work on the sanctuary in the coming years. The stained-glass windows and more will be needing major work. For now, we focus on the

space which houses our classrooms, offices, and meeting rooms. Each set of windows will be removed, repaired, returned in the next seven months. Plywood will cover the openings where the windows have been. All the stone work will be dug out, cleaned, repaired, sealed and saved. It will be beautiful. We will save our building for our God’s ministry, for our children, grandchildren and future generations to flourish in the heart of Columbus! Beginning in April, the staff will be relocated to the lower and upper floors of the Education Wing for the next seven months. I love my new office. I have Noah’s Ark carpet. It is very colorful. I am in the Toddler’s Church School Room (talk about starting over theologically…). I hope I can get some work done. It’s so tempting to play with the toys there. When you come to visit, you will be reminded that we are in a construction zone. It is really exciting. I can’t tell you how genuinely overjoyed I am to welcome these improvements to our building. We are growing in the heart of Columbus. Don’t stay away. Come and enjoy the orange barrels and green trees. Come and enjoy the plywood windows and construction workers. Come and witness the first meaningful reparation work on our Gothic Beauty in 87 years. Come and celebrate the colors of the season – Orange, Green and the rainbow colors of Noah’s ark! In this issue…

Associate Minister Page 3 Education News page 4 Music News page 7 Justice and Mercy News page 10 Church News page 10 Joys and Concerns page 11 Calendar of Events page 12 Birthdays page 13 Anniversaries page 14

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Sabbatical Coverage is SetBy Rev. Dr. Tim Ahrens As you know, Mark Williams and Kevin Jones will have sabbatical time this summer and fall. Mark will be away from May 21 – August 21. Kevin will travel with the choir to England in July and then stay in Europe for vacation, for concerts in Sweden and study, fully beginning his sabbatical on August 6 and returning to First Church on November 6. We are excited to announce the names of the summer sabbatical interims for the position of Christian Education Director and Music Minister. Dr. Karen Mozingo, professor of Dance and Theatre at The Ohio State University will serve in the position of Chrisitan Education Director this summer. Karen is a member of First Church and an amazing leader in our congregation. She currently serves as a Deacon and has served as a Church School teacher and director of the Christmas Play for the children the past few years. Karen is also an Associate of the Dominican Sisters of Peace. Karen is the mother of AnnaSophia and loves our church! We are so blessed to have Dr. Karen Mozingo leading us in Christian Education this summer. Dr. Robert Delcamp, retired professor of the University of the South, Sewanee, TN will be our interim Minister of Music. “Robbe” served as choirmaster and organist at the University from 1978 until his retirement in 2015 – over 37 years in his ministry of music there. He led 12 tours of English Cathedrals with his choirs singing the service of choral evensong in more than 27 cathedrals, abbeys and parish churches through the years. Moreover, Robbe led worship every Sunday at All Saint’s Chapel at “Sewanee.” He is excited to come be with us from September 1 – November 4. We will have guest organists during the months of July and August – including our own G. Dene Barnard. You will hear more about Mark and Kevin’s sabbatical plans in the coming months. You will also hear from Karen and Robbe in the months ahead. For now, we are excited by their presence on our staff during the sabbatical time.

Sermons titles for April

April 1 – Easter Sunday - 7 a.m., 8:45 a.m., 11 a.m. Sermon Title: “Rising with the Forgiven One” – The Rev Dr. Tim AhrensTexts: Isaiah 25:6-9; Acts: 10:34-43; Mark 16:1-8

April 8 – Second Sunday of Easter Sermon Title:”Sneaky” – The Rev. Emily Krause CorzineTexts: Acts 4:32-35; Psalm 133; 1 John 1:1-2:2; John 20:19-31

April 15 – Third Sunday of Easter Sermon Title: “Taxed by Disbelief” – The Rev Dr. Tim Ahrens Texts: Acts 3:12-19; Psalm 4; 1 John 3:1-7; Luke 24:36b-48

April 22 – Fourth Sunday of Easter Sermon Title: “We Know Love By This” – The Rev. Emily Krause Corzine Texts: – Acts 4:5-12; Psalm 23; 1 John 3:16-24; John 10:11-18

April 29 – Fifth Sunday of Easter Sermon title: “Branching Out in Love” – The Rev Dr. Tim AhrensTexts: Acts 8:26-40; Psalm 22:25-31; 1 John 4:7-21; John 15:1-8

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News from Our Associate Minister by Rev. Emily Corzine, Associate Minister (ecorzine@first-church.org) New Members In March, we welcomed three new members into the community of faith at First Congregational Church. We are so grateful for their gifts and talents which will benefit all of us here. We hope that in the days and weeks ahead you will welcome them and introduce yourself to them.

Lanier and Rachael Frush Holt Lanier and Rachael Frush Holt join First Church with a letter of transfer from First United Church of Christ, Bloomington, Indiana. Lanier and Rachael are professors at The Ohio State University. Lanier is a professor of Communications. Rachael is a professor of Audiology. They have two daughters Ruby (5th grade) and Naomi (2nd grade). They live in Bexley.

Jim Traux Jim joins First Church from Christ Church Episcopal in Greenville, South Carolina. Jim is the general manager for Caraustar in Baltimore, Ohio. Jim lives in downtown Columbus. He found us for our commitment to music and social justice.

Emily’s Sabbath Day moves to Monday! Beginning Monday, April 9, my Sabbath Day will be Monday, instead of Thursdays. This is a decision that is best for our family at this time.

Safe and Healthy Ohio Campaign Speaker on Tuesday, April 3 at 7 p.m.I attended a faith leader’s breakfast a few weeks ago and learned more about the Safe and Healthy Ohio Campaign. I learned more about transformational criminal justice reform and a proposed amendment for the November 2018 ballot.See www.ohorganizing.org for more information.

On Tuesday, April 3, the Justice and Mercy Commission will welcome Molly Shack, organizer, to its meeting to learn more about this campaign and learn about collecting signatures for this ballot initiative before June 30th. This campaign will be for an amendment to increase public safety while freeing people from incarceration and addiction through the following: (1) Changing 4th and 5th drug possession charges to misdemeanor and retroactively reclassifying past offenses; (2) Prohibiting prison sentences for probation violations that are not new crimes; (3) Expanding the ability for incarcerated people to earn up to 25% off their sentence through participation in rehabilitative programming; and (4) Redirecting funds saved into drug treatment, mental health and trauma recovery services.

If you are interested in learning more, you are welcome to attend Tuesday, April 3 at 7 p.m. in the Ralph Fanning Room. This initiative is sponsored by Ohio Organizing Collaborative, Columbus People’s Partnership, People’s Justice Project and the Ohio Student Association.

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Educationby Mark S. Williams, Christian Education Director (mwilliams@first-church.org) Flower/Vegetable Sale for Youth Ongoing! The youth groups of First Church will be taking orders for their spring flower sale now through April 15. You may place your order with any youth member. You may view the order form online on the church Web site. There are many varieties of flowers and hanging baskets to choose from. The groups also are selling several varieties of tomatoes, vegetables and peppers. They come in small plants for your garden or in planters for your patio or deck. The flowers and vegetables are supplied by Strader’s Greenhouse of Columbus. Payment is due at the time of ordering. The flowers will be available for pick up on May 12-13.

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Teacher/Connections Breakfast May 6 The Christian Education Department will host a Teacher and Worship Connections appreciation breakfast on Sunday, May 6 in the Children’s Library. All teachers and Worship Connection leaders will be recognized in both services that day.

The 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. The next Laundry Love day will be April 24. Come join us in serving those in need.

Safe Church Policy Team Plans Presentation and DrillThe Safe Church Policy Team has been working for over a year on updating and improving safety procedures for First Church. A presentation will be given after each worship service on April 15th. The Team will review Fire, Severe Weather and Interruption of Worship procedures. At the end of the presentation the congregation will practice a Severe Weather drill.

Spring Retreat Set for April 20-22 This year’s spring retreat will be Friday evening, April 20, through Sunday morning, April 22, at Templed Hills, the United Church of Christ Camp and Retreat Center. It is an hour northeast of Columbus off Route 71 at Bellville. Please mark your calendars and plan to bring your whole family or just yourself. Our weekend will include hiking, nature talks and activities, devotions, basketball, fishing, a folk dance for all ages, a campfire with s’mores, crafts, singing and worship at camp Sunday morning. All First Church children and youth are able to attend at no cost thanks to an Alma Keeler grant requested by the Parish Life Committee. Adults are $95 each, which includes food, lodging and all program costs. All confirmands will be attending and their mentors are encouraged to attend as well. So, what can we do on a retreat that we can’t do in a meeting room at church? Given the costs of time and money involved in staging a retreat, is it really worth it? Jesus thought so. The Bible offers numerous stories of Jesus walking away from the constant crowds to carve out a time and space to be alone. Taking ourselves out of our daily routine – opening our hearts and minds to the people and places around us – is at the heart of a successful retreat. It is important to carve out time and space to give ourselves over to something deeper, something that will last far longer than the retreat itself. Deadline for registration is April 10. We have space for 70 people – let’s fill it! Brochure and registration forms are available in the church office and on the website. See Mark S. Williams at mwilliams@first-church.org for more information.

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It’s Time for Camp Registration! The Outdoor Ministries summer camp tentative schedule has been posted, so can spring be far behind? Everyone is ready to plan some fun in the sun and that’s just what camp is. There are camps for kindergarten children and first graders with a grandparent. Weeklong camps are for children who have completed second grade and older. There are camps for teens and camps with themes. There are camps for adults and even one for families. All summer camp programs are returning to Templed Hills. Forms are available in the church office. Registration will begin soon. Camp weeks fill up fast. Don’t wait too long!!! Camp schedule and descriptions are available online at: http://www.journeythehills.org. Once you’ve decided on a camp, just click one of the “Register Online” buttons to complete your registration and make your payment. First Congregational Church has always been a strong supporter of the Outdoor Ministries Summer Camp Program by encouraging participation and by offering scholarships for campers. Thanks to the generosity of longtime member Alma Keeler, we are able to offer a 50% camp scholarship on the registration fee (after the $75 deposit) to any First Church child or youth who wants to go to camp. A request for these funds must be made by the parent /guardian. This is not automatic as in the past. To take advantage of this scholarship you must do several things: 1.) Decide which camp you want to attend. 2.) Send in your $75 deposit as soon as possible with the 2018 camp registration form. 3.) Send the remaining amount owed to the Ohio Conference at least two weeks prior to your camp; 4.) Have a wonderful time! First Church also will offer additional scholarships for those families who need extra help. Any child who wants to go to camp should not be stopped due to financial concerns of the family. For more information about camp, please contact Mark S. Williams at mwilliams@first-church.org. Deadline for early registration and First Church campership request is March 31.

You can Help in Franklinton!The congregation is being asked to help in several ways with our Youth Mission Trip to Franklinton in June. Here are the ways you can help:1. Provide lunch for a day for the youth participants and the home we are serving or an evening meal at First Church during the week. Contact Dawn George, Justice and Mercy Commissioner.2. Provide paint brushes, paint trays, yard waste bags and Home Depot gift cards.

2018 Camp Schedule: http://www.journeythehills.org/

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From the Minister of MusicBy Kevin Jones, Minister of Music(kjones@first-church.org)

The Great Fifty DaysWe have now begun the Great Fifty Days of Easter. Following the Lenten journey wherein we encountered the theme of Forgiveness, Eastertide is a celebratory season filled with light, color, and uplifting sound. This is the time in the life of the church when we celebrate the beginning of the early church, and it can be a time when we further our own formation in the faith as well. We return Alleluias to our worship. The liturgical color is white. Music takes on a much more festive tone, and, for this one liturgical season, the first reading moves from the Hebrew scripture to the Acts of the Apostles, truly becoming a celebration of the Holy Spirit moving and living among us. Choir News Liturgical Appearance Schedules Jubilate Choir – Rehearsals April 8, 22 and 29 at 9 a.m. Sing in Worship April 8 at 11 a.m. Chorister Festival April 13 and 14 No rehearsal April 15 Exultate Choir – Rehearsals April 8, 15, and 29 at 9 a.m. Sing in Worship April 8 at 11 a.m. First Church Ringers – Rehearsal April 19 and 26 at 6 p.m. Ring in Worship April 29 at 11 a.m. First Church Choir – Rehearsals April 12, 19, and 26 at 7:15 p.m. Sing in Worship April 1 at 8:45 and 11 a.m., April 15, 22, and 29 at 11 a.m. Sing Maundy Thursday service, April 13 No rehearsal April 5 No Choir April 8 Choir Pasta Dinner and Silent AuctionThank you to everyone who supported the Choir’s March 18 Pasta Dinner and Silent Auction. We are delighted to announce that the event netted over $4,500 for the July Pilgrimage to Norwich and Lincoln Cathedrals. To all who organized, set-up, sold tickets, bought tickets, made desserts, cooked, served, and attended – thank you! The choir’s final fundraising event will occur on Sunday, June 3, and will be a High Tea afternoon at the home of Al Waddell and Allen Baker. More information is forthcoming in next month’s newsletter.

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The first-ever Children’s Choir Festival To replace the concert originally scheduled for April 13 featuring the American Boychoir, which was cancelled due to the closing of its school, Congregational Concerts will present a Children’s Choir Festival on Saturday, April 14, at 4 p.m. in the First Church Nave. Envisioned and organized by First Church Jubilate Choir director Dr. Sandra Mathias, the Children’s Choir Festival will gather nearly 100 treble voices from around the Central Ohio region to work with renowned choral master Fernando Malvar-Ruiz, formerly music director of the American Boychoir, and the newly-appointed artistic director of the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus. He will assume the reins in Los Angeles in August 2018. Malvar-Ruiz is internationally recognized as a leading expert in the training of the boy soprano voice. He is widely sought after as a guest conductor, lecturer and choral clinician. Born in Equatorial Guinea, he graduated from the Royal Conservatory of Madrid in both piano performance and music theory, and received the Master of Music degree in choral conducting from the OSU. Additionally he holds a certificate in Kodály training from the Kodály Institute in Kecskemét, Hungary, where he was also awarded the prestigious Sharolta Kodály scholarship. Malvar-Ruiz served as the Artistic Director and guest conductor for the World Youth and Children’s Choir Festival held in Hong Kong in 2005. He has conducted honor choirs at the American Choral Directors Association national and regional conventions and at the Organization of American Kodály Educators national conventions. For eleven consecutive summers he was the instructor for the masters program in Kodály at Capital University, and from 2007 to 2012 he served on the faculty at the International Summer Academy of Choral Conducting and Music Pedagogy in Las Palmas, Spain.The concert, the culminating event of a weekend choral festival, is free and open to the public. Please come, invite your family and friends, and, most importantly, bring a young singer who may be inspired by seeing and experiencing this amazing festival of young voices!

Guest clinician and conductor Fernando Malvar-Ruiz leads a gathered festival chorus of nearly 100 young choristers in

a grand celebration of singing! Participating choirs include St. Cecilia Catholic Church and School, First Presbyterian

(Granville), St. Paul’s Catholic Church, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, and First Congregational Church.

Children’s Choir Festival Concert

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Apr 4 pm

CONCERTSAT FIRST CHURCH

2017–2018First Congregational Church • United Church of Christ

444 East Broad StreetColumbus, Ohio 43215

www.concertsatfirstchurch.org

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A Gift of a New PianoIn Fall of 2017, I received a telephone message from Marty Pryor, a resident of Lancaster, inquiring as to whether we would like to receive a gift of a Steinway grand piano that had been her mother’s piano. She explained that her mother had been an organist in town, and once had been involved at First Congregational in some way. She had also mentioned that she had been married at First Church, and that the Rev. Chalmers Coe had officiated at her Father’s funeral in 1966. I set up an excursion to go see the piano to determine whether or not it was a viable instrument. Once at the Pryor residence, I briefly played and inspected the piano – a 1926 Steinway model L, 5’10”. The case was in fair condition for its age, as were the keys and touch. Although fairly badly out of tune, I was able to determine that it could be returned to playable condition and add to the musical fabric at First Church. I accepted the gift on behalf of the church.Once the instrument was moved here, I had resident piano technician David Stang inspect and present a report to us. His report stated that while the pinblock was stable, many of the low bass pins were loose and could be replaced with larger pins. We agreed that we should undertake this work to re-pin the piano, and, at the same time, give it new strings, dampers and felts. Through a combination of monies from the Gearhart Remembrance Fund and the Music, Arts, and Heritage Endowment Fund, the work was begun in late 2017 and finished in early 2018.

The piano belonged to Helen Vance Eckelberry (1896–1972). She began piano study at the age of nine and was graduated from Otterbein College in 1919 where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in music. She quickly joined the American Guild of Organists and signed on to take that organization’s certification to become an Associate. The Associate’s certificate (AAGO) is a rigorous two-day exam process that still exists today to educate and support the development of the professional church musician. Helen passed her exams in 1920 – the only person in Ohio to earn that certification that year. Helen married in 1927 and settled in Columbus. Over the years, she assisted at many local churches, including First Congregational Church. In one of the articles that Helen’s daughter, Marty, gave us about Helen, is a copy of a recital program given here in 1940 for the Central Ohio Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and the Women’s Music Club. It was a concert of music for organ and strings. Her main assistant organist position was for First Community Church, where she served until May 1965.Because of this generous gift, we have now is another vintage Steinway (the golden age of Steinway), that supports choral rehearsals and other musical tasks, and adds to the overall strength of our music ministry. It is a treasure for us now, and, with proper care, will remain for many future generations.

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Justice and MercyDoing Justice…Preparing for the May 7 Nehemiah Action has been the recent focus of B.R.E.A.D. research committees. They have studied community problems surfaced at house meetings hosted in the fall by B.R.E.A.D. network members of the 40 participating congregations. They have identified proven solutions to those community problems. During the May 7th Nehemiah Action they will publicly press appropriate local power-holders and decision-makers for specific commitments to implement those solutions!Preparing for the May 7 Nehemiah Action has also been the focus of your First Church B.R.E.A.D. network, which is also known as our Justice Ministry Network. Check out the large poster on the east wall of Parish Hall. Under the names of the 48 network members are lines for the names of congregation members who have agreed to join us at the May 7th Nehemiah Action. We will sit together as B.R.E.A.D. leaders press for solutions including:

• The adoption of restorative justice practices in the schools.• The establishment of a municipal ID program in Columbus.• Access to living wage jobs for people with criminal backgrounds.• The creation of worker-owned businesses in Linden.• Improving the availability of mental health services.• Increasing the supply of affordable housing in Franklin County.

Many of us go to church Sunday after Sunday, up to 52 Sundays each year. We are asked to show up for justice one time each year – this year, we’ll show up at the great NEHEMIAH ACTION, May 7 at the Celeste Center on the State Fairgrounds, 717 E. 17th Avenue. Plan to arrive between 6:30 and 6:45 and look for the familiar faces and logo of First Congregational Church. We will raise our voices together for justice!Note: Contact any of the network members listed on the poster for more information. Tickets will be available starting Sunday, April 15.

Church NewsThank you for all the calls, visits, cards, prayers and expressions of support extended to us during this difficult time while Wally recovers from his recent surgery. Thanks so much. Sarah and Wally Giffen

Jim Fewlass wants to express appreciation for all the prayers, cards, visits and expressions of concern over the past weeks of hip replacement surgery, bleeding ulcers and recovery. First Church is a most caring congregation.

Recent Celebration Giftsby Jane WerumIn memory of William Johannes: CHOIR FUND, by Melva Fisher, Robert and Diana Kutschbach. BARNARD FUND, by James and Carol Gallagher JOHANNES LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE FUND, by Bert and Bev Cook, William and Christine Farquhar, Lynn Wallich, Elaine Warren

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First Church Joys and Concerns Members Nancy Jeffrey; Rick Henderson; Andrew McGregor; Herb Goetz; Wally Giffen; Alaina Thompson; Nell Cole; Jude Gelfius; Don Streibig; Lindy Miller; Carl Miller; Virginia O’Neill; and families and friends who mourn the loss of loved ones, including Cindy Deliman, on the death of her uncle.

Friends and Family Jim Fletcher, cousin of Paul and Gary Leidheiser; Dan Pendell; Brooke Chute, cousin of Amy Wagner; Ben Brewer, friend of Melva Fisher; and families and friends who continue to mourn the loss of loved ones, including Susan Pusecker, on the death of her husband, Robert. Throughout the World We pray for all who work for social justice in this community, nation and world. We pray for peace in our world. We pray for our world leaders and for collaborative efforts for diplomacy. We pray for an end to gun violence and for those who contemplate acting on thoughts of violence. We pray for the communities of Parkland, Florida and Great Mills, Maryland and for all schools and communities who face the threat of violence. We pray for the family and friends of Stephon Clark and for the City of Sacramento, California.

Missionaries • Week of April 1: Mark Behle serving in Lesotho• Week of April 8: Chimiste Doriscar serving in Haiti• Week of April 15: Bruce Van Voorhis serving in Hong Kong• Week of April 22: Elena Huegel serving in Mexico• Week of April 29: Ha-un Priscilla Yang serving in Hungary

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 April 1: The Balkans – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, FYR of Macedonia, Kosovo, Montengro, Serbia, Slovenia

• Week of April 8: Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania• Week of April 15: Belarus, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine• Week of April 22: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia• Week of April 29: Afghanistan, Kazakhstan,Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

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, April 1: Easter Sunday7 a.m. – Sunrise Service – Broad Street Entrance Steps8:45 a.m. – Worship – Sanctuary10 a.m. – Easter Brunch – Parish Hall11 a.m. – Worship – Sanctuary

Monday, April 2Church Office Closed

Tuesday, April 32 p.m. – Worship Planning – Parish Family Room 5:30 p.m. – Sacred Earth – Ralph Fanning Room7 p.m. – Justice and Mercy – Ralph Fanning Room7:30 p.m. – Hymnal Supplement Committee – Choir Room

Wednesday, April 44 p.m. – Building and Office Close

Thursday, April 57:15 p.m. – First Church Choir – Parish Hall

Saturday, April 78:30 a.m. – House and Grounds – Parish Family Room 1 p.m. – Pusecker Memorial Service and Reception – Sanctuary and Parish Hall

Sunday, April 8: 1st Sunday of Easter9 a.m. – Worship: Morning Prayer and Holy Communion – Parish Hall 9 a.m. – Exultate Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room9 a.m. – Jubilate Choir – Music Activities Room10 a.m. – Faith Formation Time – Education Wing Room D 11 a.m. – Worship – Sanctuary 12:30 p.m. – Safe Church Leadership Training – Sanctuary 12:30 p.m. – Book Club Organizational Meeting – Parlor12:30 p.m. – Schumacher Committee – Ralph Fanning Room6 p.m. – Middle and High School Youth Groups Meeting – Parish Hall

Monday, April 99 a.m. – Good Samaritan Day – Ralph Fanning Room6 p.m. – Music Committee – Parlor6:30 p.m. – Christian Education – Mark Williams’ Office

Tuesday, April 102 p.m. – Worship Planning – Parish Family Room 7 p.m. – Executive Committee – Ralph Fanning Room

Wednesday, April 119:30 a.m. – Staff Meeting – Ralph Fanning Room 12:15 p.m. – Rev. Ahrens’ Lenten Small Group – Ralph Fanning Room

Thursday, April 127 p.m. – Security Team – Ralph Fanning Room7:15 p.m. – First Church Choir – Parish Hall

Friday, April 136 p.m. – Children’s Choir Festival – Sanctuary and Parish Hall

Saturday, April 1410 a.m. – First Church Quilters – Parish Family Room11a.m. – Children’s Choir Festival – Sanctuary and Parish Hall

Sunday, April 15: 3rd Sunday of Easter 9 a.m. – Worship: Morning Prayer and Holy Communion – Parish Hall 9 a.m. – Exultate Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room9 a.m. – Jubilate Choir – Music Activities Room10 a.m. – First Church Choir Warm Up – Choir Room10 a.m. – Safe Church Presentation Drill – Parish Hall10 a.m. – Faith Formation Time – Education Wing Room D 11 a.m. – Worship – Sanctuary Noon – Fellowship Hour – Parish Hall 12:30 p.m. – Safe Church Presentation Drill – Sanctuary12:30 p.m. – Hymnal Supplement Committee – Choir Room12:30 p.m. – Confirmation – Education Wing Room D6 p.m. – Middle and High School Youth Groups – Parish HallFlower/Vegetable Sale Orders Due

Monday, April 16 6 p.m. – Budget and Finance – Ralph Fanning Room7 p.m. – Personnel – Parish Family Room

Tuesday, April 172 p.m. – Worship Planning – Parish Family Room7 p.m. – Council – Ralph Fanning Room

Wednesday, April 18 11 a.m. – Book Study: Writing in the Sand – Parlor4 p.m. – Building and Office Close

Thursday, April 196 p.m. – First Church Ringers Rehearsal – Education Wing Room J 7:15 p.m. – First Church Choir – Parish Hall

Friday, April 20 Deadline for Newsletter6 p.m. – Spring Retreat Begins – Pilgrim Hills Camp and Conference Center Saturday, April 21All Day – Spring Retreat – Pilgrim Hills Camp and Conference Center

April Calendar

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April Calendar (continued) Sunday, April 22: 4th Sunday of EasterSpring Retreat – Pilgrim Hills Camp and Conference Center 9 a.m. – Worship: Morning Prayer and Holy Communion – Parish Hall 9 a.m. – Exultate Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room9 a.m. – Jubilate Choir – Music Activities Room10 a.m. – First Church Choir Warm Up – Choir Room10 a.m. – Faith Formation Time – Education Wing Room D 11 a.m. – Worship – Sanctuary Noon – Fellowship Hour – Parish Hall

Monday, April 237 p.m. – Deacons – Education Wing Room D

Tuesday, April 242 p.m. – Worship Planning – Parish Family Room 6 p.m. – Laundry Love – WashLand Laundromat, 1469 West Broad Street

Wednesday, April 259:30 a.m. – Staff Meeting – Ralph Fanning Room 4 p.m. – Building and Office Close

Thursday, April 266 p.m. – First Church Ringers Rehearsal – Education Wing Room J 7:15 p.m. – First Church Choir – Parish Hall

Saturday, April 289 a.m. – Faith Mission Meal Preparation – Kitchen1 p.m. – Abby Prendergast Ordination and Reception – Sanctuary and Parish Hall

Sunday, April 29: 6th Sunday of Easter9 a.m. – Worship: Morning Prayer and Holy Communion – Parish Hall 9 a.m. – Exultate Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room9 a.m. – Jubilate Choir – Music Activities Room10 a.m. – First Church Choir Warm Up – Choir Room 10 a.m. – Faith Formation Time – Education Wing Room D 11 a.m. – Worship – Sanctuary Noon – Fellowship Hour – Parish Hall 12:30 p.m. – Confirmation – Education Wing Room D6 p.m. – Middle and High School Youth Groups Meeting – Parish Hall

Member Birthdays in April4/1 Bill Catus4/2 Laura Baird Pete Boriin Bill Lange AnnaSophia Severson 4/3 Nicole Spears4/4 Peter Unkovic Al Waddell4/6 Meg Brown4/7 Stefanie Bohnert Dana Schultz4/8 Liz Cook Mitchell Dean Katherine Erickson Nancy Loy Amy Mailer Amanda Mason Anna Rambo4/9 Becky Taft Lisa Morris4/10 Emily Cave Loretta Hoffman Jane Werum4/11 Jan Kevan Merry Roach Janice Taft4/12 Marcy Essig Rick Pfeiffer4/13 Sarah Frank Jennifer Weaver4/15 Tammy Anderson David Holt4/16 Virginia O’Neill Julia Trace Katie Trace Nina Zimmerman4/19 Madalyn Dean Christopher Gelpi4/20 Alejandro Rodriguez4/21 Kim Kutschbach4/22 Emma Welsh-Huggins Thomas Welsh-Huggins4/23 Emma Dean Malcolm Giffen4/24 Kathryn Bamberger Arjun Bhatt Noah Brooks Wally Giffen4/25 Lori Buehler Dean Hafey Samantha Myers4/26 Ben Horne4/27 Chris Farquhar4/28 Neal Brower Frank Cook III4/29 John Martin4/30 Susan Sitler

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April Offering ScheduleApril 1 One Great Hour of Sharing April 8 Camp ScholarshipsApril 15 Church World ServiceApril 22 Sacred Earth Tree ReplantingApril 29 Ohio Conference UCC Outdoor Ministries

April Fellowship Hour ScheduleApril 1 Join us for Easter Brunch at 8:45 a.m.April 8 No Fellowship HourApril 15 ActsApril 22 GalationsApril 29 Sacred Earth

April Acolyte ScheduleApril 1 9 a.m. AnnaSofia Severson Ben Mailer April 1 11 a.m. Sebby Kulwicki Cassidy HopcraftApril 8 Ruby Holt Caroline ThompsonApril 15 Cassidy Hopcraft Mae HubbardApril 22 Ethan Murray Sebby KulwickiApril 29 Ben Mailer Samantha Myers

April Crucifer ScheduleApril 1 Will Zimmerman and Peter Spofforth April 8 Joe SpofforthApril 15 Eddie AndersonApril 22 Erin MurrayApril 29 Adam Wade

Member Anniversaries in April4/4 Abby and Brian Cave Amy and David Mailer4/13 Natalie and Scott Barker4/14 Rachel and Peter Unkovic4/15 Michele and Tom Leighton4/18 Maria and Anthony Brown Christina and David Kirker Sharon and Gary Leidheiser Joyce and Craig Oyler4/19 Heather and Mark Whaling4/20 Laura and Hamish Baird Mary Anne and Todd Jacobson4/21 Cathy and Wayne Redenbarger

Some of the First Church participants in the March For Our Lives held on March 24, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio

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SAFE ALLIANCE OF INTERFAITH LEADERS (S.A.I.L.) PRESENTS: The 2018 Dublin Interfaith Prayer Breakfast

to commemorate the National Day of Prayer theme of

UNITY Thursday, May 3, 2018

Time: 7:30-8:30 a.m. (Registration begins at 7:15 a.m.)

Place: Dublin Community Recreation Center Tallia Rooms

5600 Post Rd., Dublin, OH 43017 Cost is $10.00 per person

(Cash only please; payable at the door)

RSVP by April 23, 2018, to Barb Anderson at: andersonfamily2214@gmail.com or 614-783-7998

Full breakfast will be served, provided by Sunny Street Cafe, Avery Road, Dublin, Ohio

Speakers include: City of Dublin Mayor, Greg Peterson

Community Faith Leaders

safeallianceofinterfaithleaders.org

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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.

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

Commissioned Minister for Spiritual Formation and Direction

Jacquelyn Dean

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

Business Manager Sharon LeidheiserProgram Manager Martha Worth

Office Manager Amy WagnerBuilding & Grounds Superintendent Mark Dahnke

Custodians William Lee, 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 TBD

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,

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: