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First Things First
A weekly eNewsletter from
The First Church in Oberlin, United Church of Christ
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An open and affirming, Just Peace, Green Justice, Global Mission Congregation
No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here!
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Sometimes, depending on the email server used, this e-newsletter is clipped.
Please look for "[Message clipped] View entire message" to view
the entire First Things First, or click here.
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Sunday, August 4th, @ 10am | |  |
Thank you for your donations. | | |
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Sunday's Hymns
NCH 7: All People That on Earth Do Dwell
NCH 436: God of Grace and God of Glory
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Sunday's Lessons:
Daniel 2:24-49
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Sunday's Order of Worship
Click the button below to follow along with the plan of Sunday's service.
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Announcements and Events For..... | |
First Church, Its Mission, and Its Ministry | |
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Dear First Church family and friends -
Roger Cooper died on Wednesday, July 10, in the Stephens Care Center of Kendal at Oberlin. A private memorial gathering will be held at a future time. Please remember Roger's family and friends in your prayers during this time of loss, particularly his wife Fran.
| O God of sunrise and sunset, we give you thanks for all those near to us and dear, who have walked in your light; in whose lives we have seen the light, and at whose hands we have received the mysteries of your goodness and your grace. Make us glad in all those whom you have given us out of the world, who have faithfully lived and at the last have quietly died, who are now gone before us in the heavenly places. | | | |
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Pastor's Vacation
The Pastor will be on vacation Tuesday, July 30 through Sunday, August 18. If you are in need of pastoral care during this time, please contact the church.
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Do you love music, and would you like to offer music during worship?
We would love to have you do some summer music. It can be any style, any instrument or voice, and Tom can play with you or you can sing/play a cappella. Let Tom Bandy know at musicdirector@firstchurchoberlin.org what Sunday would work for you, and we’d love to have you, not just during the summer but anytime at all during the year!
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Highlights from the Executive Council meeting, June 25,2024
Below is a brief summary of topics discussed at the monthly Executive Council meeting.
- An updated edition of the First Church Financial Policies and Procedures is nearly complete. The document is to ensure financial policies are consistent with the best interests and mission of First Church.
- A task group will begin addressing the updating and revising of the church Constitution to more accurately reflect current actions.
- Discussion focused around the possibility of groups using our facility on a long term temporary or permanent basis, and what parameters should be used to determine which groups should be included and in what spaces.
- Methods of air circulation for the classroom area were discussed.
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A Prophetic Call for Justice and Peace in Palestine
The executive leaders of the United Church of Christ have issued the following statement addressing the violence in Israel and Palestine and calling for actions toward a just and lasting peace.
“They have treated the wound of my people carelessly, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace.” (Jeremiah 6:14)
Throughout the history of humankind, generations have witnessed the trauma of wars and killings, actions that denied the humanity of some, by the cruelty of others. These days are no different. Wars rage among us. Currently there are over 100 conflicts documented globally. Even modern war has its rules of engagement, conventions written to ensure the safety of those whose lives are threatened by escalating situations of conflict.
Well before these days of social media, even to Biblical times the world has witnessed and documented the ways in which communities and people – identified as less than, different from, or in other ways deemed problematic – were targeted and annihilated during armed conflict. In each case, the world watched from a distance, counting the dead and identifying mass graves in the aftermath, with the resolve that genocide would not occur again. The historical record shows the resolution to prevent these actions from repeating among us has not been kept.
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Can you help?
The OCS food pantry is serving many, many Lorain County families, but we need YOUR HELP. We have a shortage of canned tuna, chicken, and other meats (canned ground beef, ham, Vienna sausages, salmon, chili, SPAM, etc.). These foods last a long time, can be used in many ways, and are rich in protein. Please help area families by donating canned meats to the OCS pantry at 500 E. Lorain St., Oberlin!
Thank you to all the wonderful donors who help us get food to 300-350 local families each week! So many people in southern Lorain County are struggling to keep up with tough times: rising grocery store prices, medical costs, increased rent, car trouble, and other financial pressures.
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Oberlin Farmers Market
Parking lot
The Oberlin Farmers Market provides locally grown, seasonal, fresh, high quality produce and farm fresh products. This is an outdoor market, open rain or shine, featuring a wide variety of local seasonal fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, honey, artisan bread, baked goods, mushrooms, crafts and more. Hours: 9am - Noon, every Saturday; May 18th - October 12 Visit our website: https://www.oberlinfarmersmarket.info/ The market is located at 69-85 South Main Street, downtown Oberlin, Ohio, in the parking lot between the Oberlin Public Library and police station and across from the post office.
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Additional Links & Information | |
If you are searching for ways to become more fully engaged in the life of the church, please contact Rev. David T. Hill by calling the church office at (440) 775-1711 or by sending an email to the church office.
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Submission information:
Deadline for articles and information is Wednesday at 10 AM.
For entire list of submission requirements, click here. Thank you.
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