Past Events

We may have a new name, but we've been offering cutting-edge, diverse, inclusive programming for over 30 years!

We are now the Spiritual Life & Learning Center!  Formerly, we were The Burkhart Center.  And even before we had the name of The Burkhart Center, we were offering programs through the Spiritual Searcher committee and the Adult Learning Council at First Community.  Our history is rich, and our commitment is strong!

Below is a small sampling of our past programs.  We hope this gives you a feel for our rich history, our large, inclusive, loving community, and our commitment to bringing programs to you that feed your soul, mind, heart, and body.

Clergy Conversations with Meg Wheatley - February 2023

Clergy Conversations with Austen Hartke - November 2022

Clergy Conversations with Phillip Gulley - September 2022

Our 2022 Spiritual Searcher Weekend with Rabbi Rami Shapiro

Rabbi Rami's Sermon - 8/29/2022

Unveiling of New Name, Logo, Website, Song, and Programs - 8/27/22

Spiritual Searchers 2011-2015

At the Spiritual Life & Learning Center, we value bringing diverse voices to our community and pulpit.  One way we do this is by inviting well-known theologians, authors, and experts in spirituality, religion, psychology, and science once or twice per year as our Spiritual Searchers.  They lead us, teach us, and dialogue with us about issues important to us all.

Check out pictures from some of our past spiritual searchers, including Sister Alexandra Kovats (2011), Marcus Borg (2011), Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III (2013), James Finley (2013), Mirabai Starr (2014), John Dominic Crossan (2014), John Philip Newell (2014), John Shelby Spong (2015), Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf (2015).

John Shelby Spong - Sermon 2015

We had the great privilege of hosting John Shelby Spong as our Spiritual Searcher in 2015.  Please enjoy his sermon at our First Community North location. 

Sermons from First Community Clergy

Playlist

6 Videos

Interested in Upcoming Events?

Past Events

  • Centering Prayer

    First Community South 1320 Cambridge Blvd, Columbus, OH 43212, Columbus, OH, United States

    Thursdays 5-6 pm First Community South Burkhart Chapel Register HERE. "Centering Prayer is a receptive method of Christian silent prayer which deepens our relationship with God, the Indwelling Presence …  […]

  • American Democracy, Culture, and Music in Changing Times

    First Community South 1320 Cambridge Blvd, Columbus, OH 43212, Columbus, OH, United States

    Thursdays July 17, 24, 31, and Aug 7 6-7:30 pm FC South Library   Join us on Thursday evenings this summer to explore anthems of hope, grace, passion, and courage, that not only […]

  • Monthly Ministries 4 Movement Marches

    Monthly Ministries 4 Movement Marches
    Family Missionary Baptist Church 996 Oakwood Ave, Columbus, OH, United States

    Several members of the Racial Equity and Gun Violence Prevention (GVPMT) Ministry Teams participate monthly in a march and worship/information session with members of the Family Missionary Baptist Church and […]

  • Women Living the Questions

    Women Living the Questions
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    “Perhaps the secret of living well is not in having all the answers, but in pursuing unanswerable questions in good company.” ~Rachel Naomi Remen Women Living the Questions welcomes any woman […]

  • Centering Prayer

    First Community South 1320 Cambridge Blvd, Columbus, OH 43212, Columbus, OH, United States

    Thursdays 5-6 pm First Community South Burkhart Chapel Register HERE. "Centering Prayer is a receptive method of Christian silent prayer which deepens our relationship with God, the Indwelling Presence …  […]

  • American Democracy, Culture, and Music in Changing Times

    First Community South 1320 Cambridge Blvd, Columbus, OH 43212, Columbus, OH, United States

    Thursdays July 17, 24, 31, and Aug 7 6-7:30 pm FC South Burkhart Chapel   Join us on Thursday evenings this summer to explore anthems of hope, grace, passion, and courage, that […]