Thank you to all those who gave so generously in 2017. We ended the year without a deficit. Please help us begin 2018 confidently and consider turning in an estimate of giving or pledge card.
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, by clicking on the above give now button. Or turn in an EFT form to our office for direct withdrawal from your bank account.
Abbreviations Key: Allison Room (AR), Basement (B), Dennis Hall (DH), Education Hall (EdH), Jones Wing (JW), Library (L), OS (Off Site), Sanctuary (S), Youth House (YH)
We begin 2018 with hope and anticipation but also with conviction and commitment. Much like those who John the Baptist baptized in the wilderness. We hope that the world can become a little bit more like the Realm of God and that God’s love, justice, and mercy will reign. We are convicted of the ways we may not have done our best to manifest God’s reality in 2017 but, confident of God’s Grace, we commit to growing and doing better in 2018. This all begins with internal examination and truth-telling. Where in our lives do we have trouble hearing God’s word that we are beloved? It’s in those places that our need and lack can affect us in ways that paralyze us and harden us. Sunday, we give those places to God and make our prayer for 2018 that we may know more deeply that we are Beloved, and allow God to change us more and more into the image of Christ.
If you cannot join us in person, we will be attempting to stream, now in High Definition, throughinternet streaming.
Peace,
Rev. Matt Gough
ADVENT DECORATIONS AND TREES
NEED TO BE PUT AWAY AND TAKEN DOWN.
JOIN TOGETHER ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 11 AT
4PM
to help as you are able.
The more hands, the faster it goes. And we have fun, too.
Soup-er Bowl Sunday, January 28th after Worship
There’s something for everyone, including gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan. Tickets not needed; donations accepted at the door. If you would like to provide a pot of soup or volunteer to help with set-up, contact Jackie Russell at pjrussell13@gmail.com or Barb Malloy at barbmalloy11@gmail.com.
Upcoming January Event Dates:
Corvallis Youth Collective is hosting the game Live Clue on Sunday, January 7 from 2-4pm. First United Methodist Church, 1165 NW Monroe, Corvallis. All 5th – 12th graders are welcome to come help solve the mystery.
Corvallis Youth Collective: Snow tubing at Hoo Doo February 2. All 5th-12th graders welcome. Register with jonathan@1stpres.org by the deadline:
January 14th, 2018
Family Game Night, Friday, January 19, 5:30-7pm. Light dinner served. All ages are welcome to join together to play games and have some fun.
Meets in Dennis Hall.
Soup-er Bowl Sunday,January 28, 2018 after Worship.
Mt. Angel Retreat; February 9-11, 2018. Register with the church office, church@1stpres.org by January 21, 2018.
Winter Weather Policy
If is making roads dangerous to travel, call the church
at 541-753-2228, press 7 for alerts or check the website at www.1stpres.orgBEFORE leaving for church. If the schools are closed due to weather during weekdays,
then our building is closed.weather.
On Sundays, help those with mobility troubles and new visitors by leaving the parking lot spaces and street spaces that are in front of the church for them.
Consider carpooling. Use the lot next to the multicultural center or street parking along the park or on Madison Ave.
Thank you!
Announcements:
Sign up for the 2018 Mount Angel Retreat. February 9th-11th. See kiosk poster for more details. Sign up with the church office.
Tree,
Flower and Liturgical Art Fund – these are provided by donated funds throughout the year. You can contribute to the fund at any time. Please notate this designation with your donation. This is a wonderful way to help decorate, honor and bring spiritual expression to our beautiful space.
Reiki Sessions: Thursdays from 3-4pm. Come join us! Make an appointment with the church office by Wednesday no later than 3:30 pm. For more information & testimonies on the healing relief of a Reiki session, call the church office at 541-753-2228. There is no cost for this ministry.
Carillon Revelry Bell Choir is raising money for a long-overdue refurbishment of our bells. We need nearly $8,000, and we welcome your support. Checks can be made to First Presbyterian Church, with a memo for “Bell Refurbishment fund.†Your donation will help pave the way for another forty years of ringing the rafters.
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.
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!
To place an announcement in the Sunday bulletin send your request and exact wording (may need to be edited for space reasons) toannouncements@1stpres.org
January Challenge Offering: Gingoog College
January’s Challenge Offering will support Gingoog Christian College’s students, who come from economically disadvantaged families. GiCC is located in Mindanao, a southern island in the Philippines. In 2017-18 the college attained the highest enrollment in the school’s history. It was also chosen as co-partner & co-host of the first regional conference of the National Research Council of the Philippines.
It was a fulfillment of dreams of the GiCC founders, the Revs. Graciano & Florentina Alegado, to include the marginalized indigenous people of the farms & mountains surrounding Gingoog City in their educational ministry. Through the years, GiCC has served these people. Even our own Piecemakers have been recognized for the lovely quilts that have reached children & their families.
Let’s support First Church in its local & national ministries. 100% of the Challenge Offering proceeds go directly to scholarships & educational supplies for GiCC students.
