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.
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. 10th. Gifts will be delivered that day!
Any questions please call Barbara at 541-619-5506.
Thank you, one and all!
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 every age. Look for the Christmas tree labels. Browse Christmas fiction, art books, seasonal meditations, Christmas traditions & carols & more. Check out some books & spread the joy of the season by reading to others.
Thanks to Mary and Louise for the festive decorations.
Welcome!
As we enter Advent, we begin working with our theme, “Bringing Darkness to Light.” In Charles Dicken’s novel, “A Christmas Carol”, Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the ghosts of his business partner and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Each sheds light on the darkness in Ebenezer’s life. Darkness is a broadly defined term. Sometimes it is used to refer to things we see as evil. However, it also can be used to describe those harder realities of life, things we do not talk about. All of us, if we are honest with ourselves and each other, must admit to having darkness or, as some call it, a shadow self.
If you cannot join us in person, we will be attempting to stream, now in High Definition, through internet streaming.
Peace,
Rev. Matt Gough
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.
December 1 is designated every year as World AIDS Day, a day when the world focuses on the AIDS epidemic, celebrating the progress that has been made and committing to finish the work and finally end AIDS as a public health threat.
Faith-based organizations have been, and continue to be, vital to the effort, providing hope and support to millions of people affected by the AIDS epidemic.
This year the World Council of Churches is focusing on how AIDS is affecting children and youth. For information on what you can do click on this for a PDF with ways that you can make a difference.
2017 Advent Devotional is available for pick up
this Sunday, December 3rd.
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.
First Presbyterian Church, Corvallis Presents The 2017 Advent Recitals
Each Tuesday in Advent, 12:15pm.
Admission Free. Brown bag lunches welcome!
December 5th, 12:15, Jazz Sounds of Christmas Joy Come listen to The Gratitude Jazz Band with Audrey Perkins.
Led by Dr. Winston McCullough.
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
Come see our own Paula Novak in the Annual Christmas Story Play: Presented by the intellectually and Developmentally Disabled Community and Friends. Wednesday, December 6th, 7:30pm, Suburban Christian Church, 2760 SW 53rd St.
Signup 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
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 direct human services to those in our community who are in need. Your contributions are greatly appreciated.
We 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.
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.
