We Grow When We Give
Set up a recurring online pledge via the Presbyterian Foundation who processes payments at the lowest possible rates for us. Or turn an EFT form to your bank for direct withdraw from your account.
WORLD IN PRAYER
For those interested in a weekly prayer that incorporates what is happening in the world. Click here where a new prayer is offered every Thursday.
There are passages in the Bible that are uplifting and encouraging and there are passages that make you feel like a complete failure. This is one of the latter. Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount begins with a beautiful intro of blessings and language about being light to the world but shifts quickly into a litany of ways that people have failed. “Be perfect like God” is basically what Jesus concludes this passage with. Sure, Jesus, piece of cake.
From other teachings and actions of Jesus, I cannot believe that he actually expects that we can be perfect. One can always do better so perfection is always elusive. However, Jesus is calling us to a deeper level of self-awareness. We often do not take the time to look inward at our motivations. Are we driven by fear of not being perfect or are we propelled by God’s perfecting love?
To accept that God loves us fully first requires being able to let go of our fear of not being perfect. Once we are immersed and rooted in love then our motivations and actions transform and we find ourselves closer to perfection, as God defines it, than ever before.
I hope you will join us this Sunday at 10:00am for meaningful worship, thoughtful exploration, and community, as we explore this week’s text together. If you cannot join us in person, we will be attempting to stream this service through Internet Streaming.
Peace,
Reverend Matt Gough
Growing our SoulSet: This Sunday, February 12th,
4:00pm in Dennis Hall 3
We are going to look at the concept of sin and salvation. We will spend some time discussing the concept of corporate sin and the role the church has in addressing it, particularly looking at the Barmen Declaration (found in the PCUSA’s Book of Confessions) which was written by German Christians addressing the complicity of the church in the rise of nationalistic fascism in 1930’s Germany.
Sunday, February 26th after worship during coffee hour there will be a congregational meeting. This is our annual meeting.
All are welcome.
We Grow When We Give: Stewardship Update 2017
We Grow When We Give
Thank you for your estimated giving cards! Your estimate of giving could get us to our goal! Our budget will be presented to you at our annual meeting on Feb. 26th. Help us start the year healthy and without cuts to ministry and mission by turning in your card today.
Every commitment matters and helps!
Session will approve the budget on Feb. 15th. $15,000 more in pledges will help us be secure in maintaining our goal. Thank you to everyone who faithfully committed to support the ministry of the church.
Announcements
This Sunday: Cultivating a Growth SoulSet: 4:00pm in Dennis Hall 3.
Starts this coming Monday, Feb. 13th: Caregiver Support Group: The 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month from 10:30am-12:00pm at the First Methodist Church. Questions?
Ask Pastor Sharon.
Men’s Cold Weather Shelter:We’re responsible for staffing the overnight shelter, beginning this coming Monday, Feb 13th-16. We need volunteers from 6:30pm to 11:00pm, furnish snacks, or sleep at the shelter from 11:00pm to 7:00am. To back-up the paid staff member, please see Gary Meddaugh and Bill Smart after the service.
The Portland Boychoir will be giving a free performance in our Sanctuary next Friday, February 17th at 7:00pm. Performers are unique as the only all-boy choir in the Portland metro area. It provides a setting where boys’ identity, personality, and self-esteem are fostered by musical excellence. Freewill offerings will be accepted.
Join us for the PW Coffee and Program: Tuesday, February 21 at 10:00am. The topic is “Homelessness in Corvallis” with speaker and advocate, Aleita Hass-Holcombe. All are welcome. Sign up in the Gathering Space after worship this Sunday.
Flowers: Sign up to bring flowers to Worship. Flowers can then later be distributed to our homebound people! A sign-up sheet is located on the bulletin board across from the office.
Reiki sessions are every Thursday of the month. Sign-ups for Reiki sessions from either 3:00pm-4:00pm or 4:00pm-5:00pm are available through the church office.Come join us! For more information and testimonies on the healing relief of a Reiki session, call the church office. 541-753-2228.
Name tags – Many members and friends graciously wear name tags to be more hospitable. Temporary name tags are available in the Narthex or from an usher. If you make 1st Pres your worshipping home then let the office know and we will gladly make you a permanent one! If you have a name tag please wear one, and introduce yourself to your neighbors!
Just a reminder that there is no parking parallel to the yellow curb in the parking lot. Please only park in designated parking lot spaces or out on the street. On Sundays, parking is also available in the Multi-Cultural Center parking lot across 9th Street.
#worshipleader Is your child interested in being a part of worship? We’re always looking for kids to read or share their musical talents. Find Jonathan after worship or click the buttons in the left-hand sidebar to sign up!
Want to be a Happy Helper in 2017? Sign up by clickingHERE.
Our church libraryis open every Sunday: ♥♥ Celebrate Church LibraryMonth by stopping by our library ♥♥ Pick up a good book, a cup of coffee and a cookie ♥♥ Explore the movie and magazine selection ♥♥ See what is new in the library ♥♥ Craft activities for kids
♥♥ Special this week- Kay Hawley’s delicious heart cookies
To place an announcement in the Sunday bulletin send your request and exact wording (may need to be edited for space reasons) to announcements@1stpres.org
