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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First Church, Its Mission, and Its Ministry

Miranda On Vacation July 19 – July 28

Our Office Manager, Miranda Schaum, is taking some time off July 19 through 28. Please note that during this time:

The office voicemail and emails will be periodically checked by a volunteer. Please call the office and leave a voicemail with your name, number, and what you'd like us to know.

Requests for reserving space at the church, submissions for the eNews, and matters that require Miranda's assistance need to be addressed in advance of her vacation, by 9 AM on Wednesday July 17th.

Miranda will resume her Office Manager responsibilities on Monday, July 29th.

Thank you for your patience and understanding to ensure vacations are as relaxing as possible!

First Church Night at the Theater 

Saturday, July 27th

7:30 pm

Our very own Jen Bertoni is performing in the musical “9 to 5” at the Lorain High School. Tickets are $14.00. A sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall corridor.

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!

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.

Summer Storytime Signup!

Come get to know the church's wonderful kids - by reading a story to them during the sermon portion of worship this summer! Stories will be provided, and Jen will be there to lend a hand most weeks. A sign-up sheet is in the hallway next to Fellowship Hall, or you can sign up by emailing Jen (faith@firstchurchoberlin.org). One slot is still available: 9/1. Thanks in advance for taking the time to get to know the youth of the church! 

Do not force automatic doors

Please do not force the two automatic doors shut (located at the main parking lot and James Brand House entrances). In the summer, these doors are often intentionally set to remain open. Manually forcing the doors closed damages the door opening mechanism. If you need to shut an automatic door, please see a staff member for assistance. Thanks.

The Wider Community

Can you help?

𝗢𝗖𝗦 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝗻𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘀. Some examples are peanut butter, mac and cheese, ready-to-eat soup, chili, canned chicken and tuna, canned vegetables and fruit, cereal, oatmeal, pasta, syrup, condiments (ketchup,

 mustard, vinegar, oil, soy sauce, siracha, spices, mayo, etc.), crackers, pretzels, chips, powdered or condensed milk, beans, rice, nuts, and dried fruit. Donations are accepted at the Cooper Community Resource Center, 500 E. Lorain St., Oberlin, during business hours. For more info on how to donate or volunteer, please visit www.oberlincommunityservices.org!

Also, just a reminder that during summer months the OCS pantry is very happy to accept donations of fresh produce from area gardens! If you grow lots of fruit and veggies in your backyard, at a farm, at a community garden, or greenhouse, we're so grateful for

 your help in getting it to Lorain County families in need.

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.

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.