First Faith Community Church gives to community

SANDUSKY — The red brick church at Hancock and Jefferson streets has a long history.But most recently, First Faith Community Church has been known as a community caretaker."For a small church, we give a lot," pastor John Apple said. "We give to organizations who know the needs of the community."Those who attend, which number about 35-40 people each week, financially support the homeless shelter, Stein Hospice Camp Good Grief for mourning children, Salvation Army, Victory Kitchen, Safe Harbour domestic violence shelter, Care and Share, Ability Works and Firelands Christian Academy in Castalia.Additionally, members pack 50 school bags, 30 health kits and six layettes, or sets of clothing and linen for newborns, for Church World Service every year to be used in disaster areas in the US and across the globe.First Faith's women's ministry, called Morning Doves, plays an important role in the church's giving.First Faith Community Church was initially founded as a German Reformed Church in 1853 by German immigrants, according to the church's history. The church's first building was located where a parking lot across from the current building is today.The current church building was dedicated on March 1, 1925. The windows, which are original with the church, were made in Germany. The first building's bell was transferred to the current building and is still in use.Over the years, the church changed denominations multiple times. It was a Dutch Reformed Church, United Church of Christ and others before joining, in 2006, the Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ, an affiliation of Lutheran churches which have separated from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America that has independent beliefs. It disagrees with the ELCA's blessing of same-sex marriages, among other ideas.Apple began at First Faith Community Church in 2013, having previously worked at the Chapel on Galloway Road.The congregation is a blend of younger and older attendees who attend worship 10 a.m. Sundays. In addition to Sandusky, people come from Vermilion and Huron County."We're very close and friendly," Apple said. "They'll do anything for anybody."As pastor, Apple's main focuses are preaching and visiting hospitals and nursing homes of parishioners. He also teaches lessons from the Bible twice a month at the Commons of Providence assisted living on Sandusky's west side.Each worship service includes traditional music that multiple attendees assist with. "Music-wise, there's a lot of talent at this church," Apple said.He added: "We're here to help the community and help people get to know Jesus." Get to know First Faith Community ChurchAddress: 225 E. Jefferson St., SanduskyPhone: 419-625-8247Website: sanduskychurch.comReach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com, follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood and on Facebook.com/CaitliNearhoodFirst Faith Community Church member Gail Legg, left, and pastor John Apple stand in the church's sanctuary Monday, Aug. 12, 2019. Legg has attended the church, which has had other names, for 82 years. One of the stained windows from inside the sanctuary of First Faith Community Church. The church's history says the windows were made in Germany. First Faith Community Church is located at 225 E. Jefferson St. in Sandusky. The sanctuary of First Faith Community Church.