Title
To Commend the Reverend Dr. Timothy C. Ahrens for his Distinguished Career and Celebrate his Retirement from First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ
Body
WHEREAS, the Rev. Dr. Ahrens was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and spent most his adult life in Ohio; and
WHEREAS, the Rev. Dr. Ahrens was ordained in 1985, earned his Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School that same year, earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from Chicago Theological Seminary in 2015, and has been working to serve his faith community ever since; and
WHEREAS, with over 43 years of service in ministry, and 25 years of service at the historic Downtown First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, the Rev. Dr. Ahrens has rooted himself in Columbus as a leader that places social justice at the center of his faith and service; and
WHEREAS, the Rev. Dr. Ahrens was a prolific faith activist, serving in a multitude of organizations dedicated to pursuing social justice for marginalized communities, including founding and serving two terms as co-president of B.R.E.A.D. (Building Responsibility Equality and Dignity) for issues relating to gun violence, abolition of the death penalty, alternative crisis response, and homelessness, as well as sitting as a member on the Commission for Black Girls and founder of We Believe Ohio; and
WHEREAS, faith has always led his actions, speaking out on ballot initiatives, advocating for the end of poverty, the expansion of healthcare, and spearheading the creation of the Washington Gladden Social Justice Park, the Rev. Dr. Ahrens work reflects a lifetime of hard work, passion through faith, and a commitment to community building; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus thanks the Rev. Dr. Timothy C. Ahrens for his service to the City of Columbus and the Columbus community through his steadfast leadership and wishes him the best as he enters retirement, which he will spend surrounded by family and loved ones; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council recognizes commend the Reverend Dr. Timothy C. Ahrens for his Distinguished Career and Celebrate his Retirement from First Congregational Church.