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 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!
This Sunday after worship we will have Advent Reflection Stations. Linger longer in various locations for opportunities to refresh, reflect and renew.
Christmas Joy Delivery- help deliver banana bread, holly and votives to special members of First Presbyterian. Names and gifts are on the tables in Dennis Hall.
Christmas Carol with the choir on December 17 from 1-3pm. Meet in the parking lot (we will be leaving at 1:00).
“In your presence there is fullness of joy” Psalm 16.
Scrooge was afraid of the next ghost that appeared in the night. He trembled in bed before finally walking toward the light outside his bedroom. But, once meeting the Ghost of Christmas Present, his fear lessened significantly. They went on a whirlwind tour. Everywhere they flew, whether it be small hovels or places of commerce, there was something so strong and powerful that Scrooge began to soften. He began to find great interest in games, and toasts and even dancing. That “something” was joy.
And, so do we, tremble. There is much to be afraid of, to avoid and to get distracted by. But, there is also much to miss. What is hidden in the darkness that overrides the joy of the present? There are great gifts in bringing it to light. Remember, we cannot, not, live in the presence of God (Richard Rohr).
This Sunday we have handbells, choir, Gratitude jazz, praying, scripture and each other to help us be LIKE Scrooge. (That is not a typo).
If you cannot join us in person, we will be attempting to stream, now in High Definition, throughinternet streaming.
Peace,
Rev. Sharon Edwards
This Sunday: Spread Christmas Joy!!
Tables in Dennis Hall are full of gifts we need help delivering to special members and friends of 1st.
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 17th, Christmas Caroling, 1-3pm!
Come carol with the Chancel Choir!
Meet in the church parking lot. We will be leaving at 1pm.
2017 Advent Devotional is available for pick up
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.
Visit the Vina Moses Christmas Giving Tree in the Gathering Space this Sunday!
Each year, Vina Moses offers a gift to parents to come & shop for their children. Ornaments identifying each child’s gender & age decorate the tree. We need you as Christmas Elves to choose an ornament & help by buying one or two gifts. Deliver unwrapped gifts to the Church Office by Sunday, December 10th! Gifts will be delivered that day!
First Presbyterian Church Presents The 2017 Advent Recitals Each Tuesday in Advent, 12:15pm. Admission: Free. Brown bag lunches welcome!
December 12th, 12:15, Ringing in the Sounds of Christmas Come listen to The Chancel Choir and the Carillon Handbell Choir!
Led by Carol Nelson and Laura Zaerr.
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:
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.
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.
