Posted on December 15, 2017 Posted By: church office
Categories: Latest News
There is a congregational meeting after worship on Sunday to elect one more Trustee. Gary Meddaugh has been nominated. We will begin after the organ postlude and it will be brief. Members are encouraged to stay and cast your vote of confidence for Gary!
Thank you all who have faithfully given for a strong November. We budgeted $576,422 in income for 2017, and we have received $502,058 through November. The church needs to receive $74,364 in 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)
There are many wonderful Christmas stories & movies for all ages. Browse Christmas fiction, art books, seasonal meditations, Christmas traditions & carols & more. The Christmas tree labels mark holiday books & movies. Check out a book or spread the season’s joy by reading to others. Enjoy festive decorations, thanks to Mary & Louise.
Welcome!
The church season of Advent is a future-oriented season. It is a time when we read scriptures about the coming of Christ, an anticipated event. Yet, whatever one believes about what will happen in the future, we must admit that we really don’t know a thing. So much so, that many rejected Jesus and missed knowing him in their present. If we get too invested in our vision or dreams of the future, then we risk missing the life we have been given. Fear of the future can cause us to become spectators in life. The future isn’t something we see or watch, it is something we write.
As Corrie ten Boom wrote, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”
I hope you will join us this Sunday. If you cannot join us in person, we will be attempting to stream, now in High Definition, through internet streaming.
Peace,
Reverend Matt Gough
December 17th, Christmas Caroling, 1-3pm!
Come carol with the Chancel Choir!
Meet in the church parking lot. We will be leaving at 1pm.
First Presbyterian Church Presents The 2017 Advent Recitals Each Tuesday in Advent, 12:15pm. Admission: Free. Brown bag lunches welcome!
December 19th, 12:15, Halleluja Lullabies, Two Harps Come listen to Laura Zaerr and Jeff Parsons!
JOIN US AFTER THE RECITAL for a FREE LUNCHEON hosted by Presbyterian Women.
Children’s Christmas Choir
Rehearsals: Sundays from 11:15-11:45am in Ed Hall
Carol Nelson will be directing a short-term choir for kids interested in singing during the 5pm Family Service on Christmas Eve.
Year-End Giving
We have a new way of giving online with your debit or credit card. You will need to download an app on your device called Give+ for iPhone or Give Plus for Android phones.
Gifts in the offering plate or brought to the church on or before December 31, or mailed and postmarked on or before December 31, and gifts given online on or before December 31 (on a debit or credit card) will all be included for your 2017 statement in January, and usable for your 2017 tax return. Anything brought in after New Year’s Eve will be on your 2018 statement. Please note the church office will not be open December 25, 26 and 29.
To give, you first need to identify the organization you wish to give to. The quickest way is to search by zip code (97333) and then choose First Presbyterian Church. You set up your card and enter the amount. You have the opportunity to pay the 2% fee charged to the church for the transaction. You choose whether you want your gift to be one time, or repeating every week, month, etc. Once you have completed the transaction, the app will save the details, making it much quicker the next time you wish to contribute. You can look up your history, change accounts, adjust your recurring payments, etc. It seems to be a very user-friendly way to make a contribution.
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. This year we are keeping our devotional simple and focused.
Supporting Jonathan Isengingo. Thanks for all that helped Jonathan finish his Fall quarter debt free! He now has free housing but will still need to pay for school for 2 more quarters. So far we have brought in enough to cover all his expenses from Spring through Fall. Thank you! However, there is still need so if you are able to give then please give to the First Presbyterian scholarship fund. 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:
Tree, Flower and Liturgical Art Fund – these are provided by donated funds throughout the year. You can contribute to the fund at anytime. Please notate this designation with your donation. This is a wonderful way to help decorate, honor and bring spiritual expression to our beautiful space.
Sundays @ 3presents:A CEREMONY OF CAROLS by Benjamin Britten. (OP. 28). Sunday December 17, 3 PM at Good Samaritan Church, 333 NW 35th St, Corvallis. Donations at the concert are accepted and appreciated.
Signup in the Gathering Space for the 2018 Mount Angel Retreat. February 9th-11th. See kiosk poster for more details.
Reiki Sessions: Thursdays from 3-4pm. Come join us! Make an appointment with the church office by Wednesday by 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
December Challenge Offering: Bright Gifts
Your contributions to Bright Gifts are gifts that will keep on giving throughout 2018.
Through Bright Gifts, we support local agencies and organizations that provide directhuman services to those in our community who are in need.
Your contributions are greatly appreciated.
Thank you for continuing to support the work of
First Presbyterian’s mission to serve others.
The Mission Committee wishes you
a season of Peace and Hope.
Thanks for all that helped Jonathan finish his Fall quarter debt free! He now has free housing but will still need to pay for school for 2 more quarters. So far we have brought in enough to cover all his expenses from Spring through Fall. Thank you! However, there is still need so if you are able to give then please give to the First Presbyterian scholarship fund. 
