Thank you all who have faithfully given for a strong October. Our 2017 budget is $581,510 and we have received $468,311 through October. The church will need to receive $113,199 in income during November and December to remain in the black.
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.
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.
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)
Stop by for a cup of coffee, a cookie & a good book. Check out these books donated by John Block: Presbyterians in Ireland with beautiful pictures of the Ireland countryside and In the Presence of Mystery.
I pray that you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving. The Sunday before Advent begins is traditionally known as Christ the King Sunday. Kings have been problematic throughout history. Even in democracies we struggle with allowing leaders to behave like kings. Christ as King is a very different thing. He showed us that true king-like behavior is to lay aside ego, to serve, to love and to give oneself fully. But even more than that, Jesus shared his royalty. We don’t just celebrate His royalty, but our own. Come explore this idea on Sunday as we join together in Worship. If you cannot join us in person, we will be attempting to stream, now in High Definition, throughinternet streaming.
Peace,
Rev. Matt Gough
Food Donations: we ask our congregation to donate non-expired, non-perishable food items to help feed those in need. Please drop off your donations in the church office this Sunday.
Children’s Christmas Choir
Rehearsals begin this Sunday, November 26, 11:15-11:45am
Carol Nelson will be directing a short-term choir for kids interested in singing during the 5pm Family Service on Christmas Eve.
Blue Christmas: A Service of Solace with Pastor Sharon
Wednesday, November 29th 12:15pm & 6:30pm in the Allison Room.
A time of reflection, hope and comfort in the midst of what can be a difficult season for many.
Hanging of the Greens & Decorations Thursday, November 30th, 4-7pm
All are invited to help decorate the church for the season!
Greens Needed for Advent Wreath Event
Please deliver to the sidewalk outside Dennis Hall
by Saturday, December 2nd.
Contact the church office if you are able to donate greenery
for our Advent Event on December 3rd.
Vina Moses Christmas Giving Tree begins Sunday, December 3
The Vina Moses Christmas Giving Tree will go up in the Gathering Space on Sunday, December 3. Each year, Vina Moses offers a beautiful Christmas gift to parents to come and shop for their children. The tree is decorated with ornaments that have a child’s gender and age. We need you as Christmas Elves to choose an ornament and help by buying one or two gifts (a few have suggestions). Extra wrapping paper can also be donated. Please bring the unwrapped gifts to the Church Office by the next Sunday, Dec. 11th. Gifts will be delivered that day!
Any questions please call Barbara at 541-619-5506. Thank you, one and all!
2017 Advent Devotional This year we are keeping our devotional simple and focused. Each week will offer scripture, a spiritual reading or poem, and questions that will invite reflection. There will be space for journalling and art-making.
Available for pick up December 3rd.
Adventure Out! A Deacons Ministry.
Tour Christmas Storybook Land in Albany, Dec. 4.
Meet at noon at the church.
Questions/reservations by Nov. 26th to Sharon@1stpres.org.
Supporting Jonathan Isengingo. You may know Jonathan from his participation in worship, activities and volunteering together. He is from the Democratic Republic of the Congo which has suffered a complete financial crash. This has affected Jonathan and his family and may mean that Jonathan will not be able to finish his engineering degree and will be forced to leave the country.If you would like to know more and/or help then click this link.
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
This Sunday, sign up in the Gathering Space for the 2018 Mount Angel Retreat. February 9th-11th. See kiosk poster for more details.
Reiki Sessions: Thursdays from either 3-4pm or 4-5pm. Come join us! Make an appointment with the church office by Wednesday by 3:30pm. 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
Last Sunday for November Challenge Offering:
Westminster House
Our ministry of hospitality at Westminster House seeks to embody a progressive and inclusive Christian faith that:
*Includes all students in celebrating the diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, ethnicity, financial circumstances and faith background.
*Creates a safe space in which to ask questions, dig into exploring one’s faith, doubts and struggles.
*Grounds us into our own understanding of Jesus the Christ as our path to God while seeking to be in relationship and dialogue with those of other faith traditions.
*Serves God and creation faithfully through learning about and acting upon peace and justice issues.
You may know Jonathan from his participation in worship, activities and volunteering together. He is from the Democratic Republic of the Congo which has suffered a complete financial crash. This has affected Jonathan and his family and may mean that Jonathan will not be able to finish his engineering degree and will be forced to leave the country.
