en “Making Ready A People Prepared For The Lord” http://www.1stchurch.net © Copyright 2000 - 2010Church Community Builder. All Rights Reserved. http://www.1stchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=57 http://www.1stchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=57&article_id=66 Murray Home Group The Murray small group is led by Deacons George and Ophelia Murray and they will meet at the Murray's residence in Canal Winchester. This group will meet on Saturdays at 2pm. New Member Small Group This is a wonderful opportunity for our new members to make meaningful connections and grow together spiritually. This group will meet on Tuesday nights at 6pm at the church (Room Y103). Led by Sis. Alethea Gaddis. Young Adult Small Group A group designed for young adults approximately ages of 21-35. This group will meet on Sunday afternoons 5pm at Panera in Easton Towne Center. The young adult small group is led by Sis. Eryn Flemmings. FCOG Staff Small Group A small group opportunity for the members of the F.C.O.G. staff. The staff small group meets on Tuesdays from 12:30-1:30 in the Resource Center. This group will be led by Deacon Dwayne Washington and Bro. Dale Eric Mitchell I. Teacher's Lounge A group designed for school teachers and school staff that will meet on Fridays at 5:30 pm at the Panera Bread in Easton. This group will be lead by Sis. Faun Harris and Sis. Rhonda Peeples. Gamble's Home Group The Gamble's home group is lead by Deacon Connie and Patrick Gamble. They will meet in Pickerington on Saturday afternoons at 5pm. College and College Age Students This group is an extension of our ministry at Capital University. This group is open to any college student or college age students; they will meet at the Starbucks in Bexley on Thursdays at 6pm. Multi-Cultural Small Group This is a group of people from diverse ethnic backgrounds, and people interested in mingling with others from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Lead by Daniel Onaiwu, they will meet at the church on Saturday mornings at 10a.m. Flemmings Home Group The Flemmings small group meets on the east side of Columbus on Sunday evenings at 6pm. Lead by Deacon Jackie and Michael Flemmings this group is open to all that are interested. New Converts Small Group If you are new to the body of Christ this group is just for you. Held at the church on this group is lead by the church Staff. Care-takers Small Group This is a support group for the care-takers in our community. This group meets at the church on Thursday evenings at 6:30 at the church and is lead by Sis. Malinda Parker New to the City Are you new to Columbus? Or not new but Columbus is not your original home? Bro Ricky & Val Broomes invite you to join the "Home Away from Home" Small Group. If you are not new to Columbus but live in the Pickerington area you are also welcome to join. This group will meet on Sunday evenings at 5:00pm at the Broomes residence. Harris Family Small Group A small group for the entire family, parents and teenagers. This unique small group has been designed for parents and their teenagers to grow in the Word together. This group will be held at the Harris' residence in Powell on Saturdays at 5pm. Single Women Over 40 For woman only! Are you single over 40 and love to study the Word? Then this group is for you. Lead by Sis. Jill Frost this group meets on Saturday evenings at 5pm at the Frost residence near downtown. Women's Aerobics/Bootcamp Faith without works is dead! What better way to follow up some time in the Word than with a workout? Join these ladies as they put some work with their faith. This group meets on Monday nights at the church from 6:30-8 for small group and aerobics.Registration is Required Wed, 1 Sep 2010 07:55:55 MST http://www.1stchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.1stchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=73  Register Today for the Berean / First Church of God Leadership Conference 2010 October 6th - 8th Click here to Register First Church of God's TV Broadcast Fresh Word Has a New Home and Time We are now on WWHO 53 Columbus at 9:30AM on Sunday Morning Starting on July 4, 2010.  Praise the Lord, Saints. We are continuing to believe God for the debt cancellation for First Church of God. You can join us and help realize the vision. We will have a mortgage burning December 31, 2010, with your help and God's will.Contribute Now! or Pledge Now!    Mon, 30 Aug 2010 19:18:51 MST http://www.1stchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=55 http://www.1stchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=55&article_id=71 Berean / First Church of God Leadership Conference 2010 Click Here for Details October 6-8, 2010 Growing You! Becoming a Leader of Significance, Substance, and Stability. Click HERE to Register Mon, 23 Aug 2010 15:11:47 MST http://www.1stchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=29 http://www.1stchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=29&article_id=20 COLUMBUSWWHO 53Sunday9:30 A.M. Eastern Standard Time STARTING JULY 4th Thu, 24 Jun 2010 09:44:38 MST http://www.1stchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=61 http://www.1stchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=61&article_id=70 We are asking all the saint to fill out the form to make a prayer commitment for 2010. Click HERE to Signup Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:04:58 MST http://www.1stchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=60 http://www.1stchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=60&article_id=69 On Sunday, March 7, 2010, Bishop's sermon topic for all three services dealt with feelings - specially the feeling of depression. He talked about the cause, the contributing factors and the cure for depression. He requested that helpful resources and information be made available on our website to further help in the understanding of depression. We've tried to provide information and resources from both a clinical and spiritual perspective. Because Bishop also mentioned that most men have difficulties in acknowledging, identifying and expressing their feeling, we've also included some interesting information and facts on depression in men. Click here to review. Thu, 1 Apr 2010 09:18:10 MST http://www.1stchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=22 http://www.1stchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=22&article_id=17 Click here for Prayer Request Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:14:58 MST http://www.1stchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19 http://www.1stchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19&article_id=9 On Monday evening, October 25, 1937, a few saints met at the home of Brother and Sister Marvin Thompson to discuss the possibility of beginning a Church of God congregation on the east side of Columbus. These saints were, at that time, members of the Burnside Church of God on the west side, presently known as the Wayne Avenue Church of God. Although the records are not conclusive, Marvin and Essie Thompson, Emma Bush, Mattie Jackson and Henrietta Viney were among those who felt “led of the Holy Spirit to begin a work on the east side.” The first service was held on March 13, 1938. Since that faithful day, the First Church of God has worshipped at the following Columbus, Ohio locations: 562 St. Clair Avenue 1206 Atcheson Street 487 North Champion Avenue 115 Wilson Avenue On Fathers Day, Sunday, June 18, 2000 under the leadership of Bishop Timothy J. Clarke, the congregation took possession of 124 acres and began worshipping at the “City of Refuge”, 3480 Refugee Road. First Church is a local assembly that has membership in and fellowship with the Church of God Reformation Movement. The Church of God Reformation Movement has earthly headquarters in Anderson, Indiana and has churches in every state of the U.S. as well as a strong witness in many nations of the world. First Church is also affiliated with the National Association of the Church of God (NACOG), a group of African-American Church of God congregations. The NACOG is headquartered in West Middlesex, Pennsylvania. Our membership and association with both of these bodies is voluntary and they in no manner dictate or direct the affairs of this local assembly. First Church is autonomous in terms of government and does not answer to any “higher” assembly or board. First Church is a growing church, one that is enjoying the blessings of God and a season of true revival. Pastors and Interim Pastors who have served First Church of God Rev. J. W. Butler March 1938 to June 1943 Rev. Ella McCoy (Jackson) June 1943 to April & 1944 March 1950 to May 1952 Rev. J. B. Walker April 1944 to October 1947 Rev. George H. Johnson March 1948 to March 1950 Rev. U. S. Jackson June 1952 to May 1953 & July 1965 to December 1968 Rev. Gladys Walker September 1953 to June 1965 NO IMAGE Rev. Bertha Clark January 1969 to March 1969 Rev. Raymond Steele April 1969 to November 1969 March 1981 to February 1982 Rev. Dennis Houston November 1969 to February 1981 Bishop Timothy J. Clarke February 1982 to Present Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:06:31 MST http://www.1stchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=17 http://www.1stchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=17&article_id=7 Our MissionBy now, you have probably either seen or heard the phrase, "Making Ready A People Prepared For The Lord." This statement comes from Luke 1:17, a passage that deals with the mission of John the Baptist in preparing the way for the ministry of Jesus."And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." (Luke 1:17 emphasis added)At First Church we have adopted this as our mission statement. The Bible teaches us that "it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement" (Hebrews 9:27) and that "every one of us shall give account of himself to God" (Romans 14:10). It is the mission of First Church of God to prepare persons for their ultimate and great appointment, namely standing before the Lord. Everything we do then is done through the lens of this mission statement. Our BeliefWe believe the Bible to be the inspired and infallible written Word of God.We believe in and worship the triune God, one God in three persons: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. We believe that sin resulted in the fall of humanity and separation from God. We believe humanity is sinful by nature and by choice, and is in need of a Savior for redemption and restoration to fellowship with God.We believe that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God, both fully God and fully human. We believe that His crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection was the ransom for sin that restored that fellowship. We believe that He is presently seated at the right hand of God the Father, with all power in His hands.We further believe in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary as the only answer to humanity's sin problem. We believe that salvation is obtained by grace through faith. All who confess with their mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in their heart that God has raised Him from the dead shall be saved.We believe that the Holy Spirit initiates the process of salvation and is active in the conviction, conversion, and regeneration of the believer. The Holy Spirit further performs a special work in the heart and life of the believer that is subsequent to and apart from the conversion experience through the process of sanctification, whereby the Holy Spirit cleanses and purifies the heart of the believer by removing the "old" or "Adamic" nature and fills the cleansed heart with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, enabling the believer to live a holy life free from sin. We also believe that the Holy Spirit gifts every believer with spiritual gifts for the purpose of furthering the work and Kingdom of God. We believe in the second coming of Jesus Christ to ransom the Church and to judge the world. We believe in the new heaven and the new earth, and that God will judge and reward us according to our works.This we confess. This we believe.Our PurposeThe statement of mission tells why we exist. Our purpose helps us understand our function in the execution of our mission. Primarily then, the purpose of the First Church of God is three-fold.(1) To EXHALT Christ - we have been called to raise or to lift up the name of Jesus as the way to salvation, the Son of God and the Savior of the world. {John 3:14-18; John 12:32; 1 Corinthians 1:23-24}(2) To EVANGELIZE The Lost - we have been called to spread the Gospel message to all of the world and make disciples of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. {Matthew 28:18-20}(3) To EDIFY The Body - we have been called to "build up" the Body of Christ through the discovery and exercising of the spiritual gifts placed in us by the Holy Spirit of God. {Ephesians 4:7-16}At First Church, we do this in a number of ways. We do this through our worship and praise, preaching and teaching, through Christian Education and cell groups, fellowship with one another and other assemblies of faith Tue, 5 Jan 2010 16:58:42 MST http://www.1stchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=40 http://www.1stchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=40&article_id=41 Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:40:55 MST http://www.1stchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14 http://www.1stchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14&article_id=4 Bishop Timothy J. Clarke is the visionary leader and Senior Pastor of First Church of God in Columbus, Ohio. Under his dynamic and prophetic leadership, First Church has become a spiritual beacon at the local and national level. Bishop Clarke was called to the ministry in January, 1974 and served as Associate Minister at First Church of God, in his hometown of Far Rockaway, New York, under his mentor, the late Dr. James E. Cray. Bishop Clarke began his pastorate at York Avenue Church of God (Warren, OH) in November, 1977; faithfully serving that congregation for four years. In February, 1982, he was called to the Senior Pastorate of First Church of God (Columbus, OH). He was consecrated to the office of Bishop in September, 2001. In addition to his commitment and anointing as a pastor, Bishop Clarke willfully serves the Body of Christ as an evangelist and teacher.Bishop Clarke has received several honors and degrees for his service to the church and to the community at large which include: Master in Ministry, (Southern California School of Ministry, Los Angeles, CA); Doctor of Divinity (Mid-America Bible College, Oklahoma City, OK); Doctor of Law, (Southern California School of Ministry, Los Angeles, CA); Doctor of Humanities, (Wilberforce University, Wilberforce, OH) and Morehouse College Board of Preachers Inductee.He has served on the boards of various community and political organizations: State of Ohio Victims of Crime Advisory Board, Columbus Urban League Board of Directors, United Way of Franklin County, Inter-racial Leadership Council, Clergy Leadership Task Force, Inter-Denominational Ministerial Alliance, President & CEO - New Beginnings Christian Community Revitalization Corporation. Bishop Clarke has maintained a fellowship with the National Association of the Church of God (NACOG) serving in several leadership capacities including: President of the National Inspirational Youth Convention (NIYC); Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the General Assembly; President, Vice-President and Presiding Elder of the NACOG.The author of seven books, Bishop Clarke ministers to our heart and encourages our soul through: "Signs of His Coming", "Help for Those Who Hurt", "Bring Back the Glory", "Daughter Don't Miss Your Season", "Living in the Blessed Place", "Making the Most of Your Time" and "Celebrating the Family: Lessons from the Book of Ruth".Bishop Clarke and his lovely wife, Lady Clytemnestra Lawson Clarke of Teaneck, NJ are the parents of two adult daughters. Sun, 28 Jun 2009 08:19:06 MST http://www.1stchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15 http://www.1stchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15&article_id=5 First Lady Clytemnestra L. Clarke, affectionately known as Sis."C", hails from Teaneck New Jersey where she was raised, and nurtured in the faith by her parents, Robert L. Lawson and the late Betty G. Lawson. Sis. "C" is a gracious, loving and compassionate woman who understands the awesome responsibility of being a First Lady. She is the wife of Bishop Timothy J. Clarke, Senior Pastor of First Church of God, Columbus Ohio. Bishop and First Lady are the proud parents of two adult daughters; Dionesha Clarke Logan and Joscelyn Renee Clarke. Their family has expanded to include their Son-in-law, Mr. Ocie Logan, and grandson, Ryan Joseph. Sis. "C" has a Masters Degree in Social Agency Counseling, and is licensed through the State of Ohio as a Professional Counselor. Coupled with her credentials and her love and concern for people, she counsels the members of the congregation as she gives leadership to the H.O.P.E. Counseling Ministry. Prior to accepting the call to ministry in a full time position, she was employed by the State of Ohio Department of Health for 15 years and held various positions. In the title of Director of Congregational Care, Sis. "C" gives oversight and direction to the leaders of the following ministries: D.E.S.T.I.N.Y. Girls, Growing Your Marriage, Health and Wellness, Hospitality, Intercessory Prayer, Let's Talk, Nursery, and the Women's Ministry. Sis. "C" was recently inspired to connect ministry leaders to form the L.I.N.K.S. Ministry - Leaders Intentionally Networking for Kingdom Solutions. This awesome vision brings leaders together to ignite and promote church unity and maturity. Sis. "C" not only ministers with her husband, but she believes in the vision that God has given him for First Church of God. She confidently stands together with him proclaiming the vision, "Making Ready A People Prepared For The Lord". She is a prayer warrior, who is anointed to speak and share God's word with women. First Lady has been the guest speaker for many Women's ministry services, and also partners with her husband to speak and teach at marriage conferences. She is a special person with a quiet strength. She stands on God's promises, trusting and believing in His word through all situations, and brings that same message of hope and promise to those she comes in contact with. Thu, 16 Apr 2009 10:45:11 MST http://www.1stchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=43 http://www.1stchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=43&article_id=45 Lets Talk About Impact Columbus!Early last year during the 11:00 a.m., service on February 10, 2008 our guest speaker, Pastor Aubrey Fenton of Abundant Life Fellowship Church of Edgewater, New Jersey spoke to the congregation stating that God had given him a word for First Church that we were called to become God's Army. He indicated that we were to begin a work to help improve our cities in a positive and Godly way.As an immediate response to the word of God, Bishop Clarke gave an altar call to each of us to impact the city of Columbus. The congregation was asked to identify four areas in which we could affect change. The four areas identified were Economics, Family, Education, and the last category collectively, Youth and Crime. All were asked to come to the altar and sign up for the area in which they were interested. Key ministerial staff assigned to lead each group: Economics ~ Brother Ted Murdaugh and Rev. Dianne Langston Education ~ "Sister C" and Sister YoLanda Lewis Family ~ Rev. Nancy Jones Youth/Crime ~ Pastor Jimmy Terry Each leader contacted all of the individuals who registered. The first meeting of Impact Columbus was March 12, 2008. The teams formed and have met several times during the last few months. As we approach the one year anniversary of the Impact Columbus initiative, we will share with you the accomplishments of the Impact Columbus Teams. Mon, 23 Mar 2009 09:07:10 MST http://www.1stchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=47 http://www.1stchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=47&article_id=50 The Impact Columbus Education Team is led by Sister YoLanda Lewis and First Lady Clarke. This group is charged with providing educational opportunities for parents and youth. As you know "a mind is a terrible thing to waste." The education team has completed the following tasks.Created 5 sub-committees, Mentoring Services, Family Support, Tutoring Services, After School Programming and Policy and Procedures.Funding has been secured to provide parenting classes."It Takes A Village ," started on January 26, 2009. The follow up class, "Dual Parenting" begins on February 23, 2009. These classes are a product of the joint collaboration between FCOG, the Columbus Urban League and Action For Children.We are continuing to identify and support initiatives to promoting education including:City of Columbus 2009 Educational Conference Planning Team Member Millennium School partner; providing after school and tutoring programs Referral source for parents requesting tutoring assistance for children at 4 local schoolsDeveloping a summer aviation camp in partnership with the Black Airline Pilots Inc., which will serve as the spring board for a new program "Empowering Youth to Win." Sat, 28 Feb 2009 12:12:26 MST http://www.1stchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=48 http://www.1stchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=48&article_id=51 The Impact Columbus Youth/Crime Team is led by Pastor Jimmy Terry . This group is charged with identifying ways to reach our At-Risk-Youth population, With the purpose to save the next generation. We want to increase our community network and take a proactive role in servicing youth in our church as well as the community.The group has met on several occasions and identified existing ministry opportunities and narrowed down 4 keys areas for focus:TransportationFriday Night Live and Youth Lock InsMentoring for Males and FemalesFranklin County Restitution ProgramThe team members are working to meet with local leaders directly associated with youth and leaders who have direct relations with parents to establish a common concern. The team will establish a "safe haven" for youth to come together and gain knowledge of the consequences of at risk behavior and an outlet for identity awareness. Sat, 28 Feb 2009 12:12:07 MST http://www.1stchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=46 http://www.1stchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=46&article_id=49 The Impact Columbus Family Team is necessary to address the needs of families in our church and the community to define and restore normalcy and order where it ha been disrupted using biblically based traditional and non-traditional methods.The team goal is "to enlist members of First Church to serve as volunteers in structured programs and ministries designed to implement the vision and mandate given by the Senior Pastor to Impact Columbus Families."The team developed many ideas which will be expounded upon in the future, but to make an initial impact, they decided to utilize the programs currently existing in First Church and to individually volunteer to serve and enhance these services. As a result of the increased number of volunteers available a huge impact was made during the final quarter of 2008 which included the following activities "impacting" the church and community:The DREAM Youth Summit was a collaborative effort with other community groups and attended by more than "500" youth with a focus on community volunteerism and future preparedness.Our annual Thanksgiving Basket Program was enhanced by providing families with 30 days of food this year. More than 1000 families were served.The Christmas Programs included Angel Tree, which provides gifts to children of incarcerated parents, Special Homeless Holiday Meals, Senior Christmas Gift Give-A-Way and the Christmas Basket Give-A-Way. Fri, 13 Feb 2009 10:58:20 MST http://www.1stchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=44 http://www.1stchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=44&article_id=47 This team, led by Brother Ted Murdaugh and Rev. Dianne Langston are working to help individuals and businesses improve their financial situations. FCOG has contracted with Dave Ramseys Financial Peace University to help individuals resolve outstanding debt. The class teaches fiscal responsibility, money management and savings. Two classes have completed to date. The first on July 8, 2008 with a total of 51 individuals and the second course completed on December 15, 2008 with a total of 39 individuals successfully completing the course. This is a total of 90 people who have committed to improving their finances, eliminating credit card debt and striving consciously toward financial freedom. The team currently has several other programs which are currently under development involving employment case studies and developing programming for the small business owner. Sun, 8 Feb 2009 10:32:21 MST http://www.1stchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=136 http://www.1stchurch.net/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=136&article_id=27 Click Here To Join Us Thu, 29 Nov 2007 21:57:13 MST