A Pastoral Discussion: Statement of Faith
When searching for the basics of what a church is all about, there are numerous avenues to visit in learning about that church — its members, its traditions, is presence in the community, websites and a variety of other areas. One area of clarity for First Church, Congregational, is our Statement of Faith. Rev. Tom Cofer, senior pastor at First Church, is offering greater understanding of the Statement of Faith through a break down of the content — during weekly services and, shortly, here, online. Click on the About Us section of the menu.
Drop by for a Relaxing Lunch
The Women’s Fellowship of First Church Congregational invites you to their community Fall Salad Luncheon on Friday, September 17, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., in the church social room. Lunch includes your choice of homemade salads, chili, soup, desserts and beverages. Take out is also available. The cost is $7.00/person. No reservations are required and you can pay at the door. Come, bring your friends and enjoy a relaxing lunch break. The parking lot entrance is off of Sterling Avenue. Please contact the church office at 440-357-7518 for further information.
First Church is Distributor for Geauga Family Farms
Ireton also wrote about the Community Supported Agriculture programs around the country. Our group was intrigued by the essay.
Later, a church member presented the “Geauga Family Farms” program and First Church possibily being a distribution center. It is exactly that — serving the Painesville area as a drop-off site for more than 60 cartons of weekly produce. With familiues often sharing cartons, there are more than 100 families receiving fresh goods and produce.
Quoting a member involved with the distribution: “My favorite part of distributing the produce is all the new people the program has brought into our life. Throw in the beautiful healthy food and what more could anyone want. The Saturday morning fellowship is awesome. It’s not everywhere or everyday you hear people sharing recipes for Swiss chard, kale, beets, and zucchini. Much less be adventurous enough to eat them. It is so much fun hearing the enthusiasm for what’s in the box each week. After being on vacation and missing three weeks of produce, I couldn’t wait to pick up my share, check in with our new friends, and start eating healthier again.”
For full information about the program and its 20-week summer schedule, go to: www.geaugafamilyfarmsllc.org
200 Years of “Service to God and Community” — FIRST CHURCH, CONGREGATIONAL OFFICIALLY REACHES ITS 200TH YEAR
The Bicentennial Service, June 13, included presentations and a number of official proclamations from government entities, Rep. Mark A Schneider and other elected officials.
Afterwards, church members buried a time capsule, gathered for a large group portrait on the front steps of the church and enjoyed a member luncheon — all in celebration of the church’s “200 Years of Service to God and Community.”

Model Cake of First Church
First Church, Congregational, on the Square in Painesville, formally celebrated it’s Bicentennial (1810-2010) with a series of programs that were open to the public, all capped off by ringing the church bell 200 times, June 17.