January 13, 2015 vol. 15, issue 2 Maintain Christmas in Our ...heartofcorvallis.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/fcdd...Join us for Sunday Worship January 18 at 10:00 a.m. • 9:00 am

Join us for Sunday Worship January 18 at 10:00 a.m. • 9:00am-AdultSundaySchool• 10:00am-Worship(SundaySchool)• 5:30pm-StoneSoupSupper(prepat3)

Called to ServeElders:MichaelGordon,AnnSmartHome Communion: AnnSmartPreparing Deacons:CarolGarbacik,TomGarbacik

Serving Deacons:*DannyAynes,SusanPeterson,ChrisClausen,KathleenEide

Flowers:LeeandDonnaMasonCoffee Cart and Snack:TriciaMartinGreeter:LyndaShurtleff

Stone Soup Meal Count Tuesday,1/6-138Saturday,1/10-138Sunday,1/11-124

StaffRev.MattGordon... SeniorMinisterMatthewClark....... ChoirDirectorEricQian................ PianistCharleneLincoln.... ChurchSecretaryJillShinkawa.......... CommunicationsMgr.KevinWeaver......... Paladin

ChurchstaffmeetseveryMonday,10:00-11:00a.m.Wearenotavailableduringthistime.

January13,2015vol.15,issue2

Left top: Last December, Matt lit the Advent candles that ring the central Christ candle. Above: The choir sang a beautiful version of “Family of Faith.”Right top: Traditionally the Christ Candle is displayed only at Christmas time. This Sunday the Christ Candle was lit and on the communion table to remind us to keep the spirit of Christmas in our hearts everyday of the year. Right bottom: Share your vision! The “vision board” is in the conference room next to Matt’s office. Everyone is encour-aged to write ideas, dreams and visions for the church. Right now, the vision board is blank. Help fill it up!

Maintain Christmas in Our Hearts…

Excerpts from the Grant’s LetterGreetings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for your prayers. We experienced God’s goodness and provisions after we left you that Sunday service, drove our two loaded cars, then returned to Corvallis on Tuesday, Dec. 9th by Amtrak. Loaded the two trucks both Wednesday and Thursday then

(continued on page 3)

Relying on the spirit and story of the gospels, First Christian Church is supported primarily by donations. There is no charge for any event. We rely on freely given offerings to support our various minis-tries and opportunities.

Your contributions and gifts allow us to continue to be a radically inclusive, justice-driven community of faith every day of the week. Thank you in advance for your gifts.

Matt’s MinuteThere was a time when my daugh-ter was into secret clubs (I can’t tell you which daughter because that is a secret). There were secret codes, secret knocks, secret handshakes and other things that I did not know about because they were secret. Sometimes I was allowed into the secret club, other times not. Sometime the only mem-bers of the secret club were stuffed animals. As she got older, her friends were inducted into the secret club. I think the secret club had something to do with belonging and connection.Secret clubs are great, but my hope is that the church never feels like one. That being said, here are some fre-quently asked questions about mem-bership and the church.

What does it mean to join the church?Like any other organization, member-ship means support. You can sup-port the church without joining, but becoming a member of the church is a kind of covenant between you and God that you will support this particular community in its vision and mission. We do not have strict membership requirements, but ask our members support the church in three ways: with their time, talents and treasure. There are two types of membership at First Christian: a regu-lar member and an associate member. The distinction between the two types of membership has to do with those wishing to maintain their membership at another church while they are part of this one instead of transferring their membership.

Are there privileges to joining?I often joke about not giving out tote bags when people join the church. Seriously, members and non-members are entitled to all the same information and resources of the church. Mem-bers do not have secret knowledge. Member or not, you have a voice in all matters of church and are welcome to attend any of our meetings. However, we are congregational in our decision-making, which means the authority of the church rests in its membership. Members do have a vote on important decisions in the life of the church. Two examples are when we hire ministers and when we make large financial decisions (like the recent decision about solar panels). Our by-laws also require certain leadership positions to be members of the church (deacons, elders, president, vice-president, trea-surer to name a few).

How do I join the church (and the more often asked question, do I have to come forward during the worship time)?Every Sunday we offer an invitation for people wanting to join the church to come forward to express their intent. The advantage of joining the church in this way is it provides the rest of the church an opportunity to welcome and know who you are. Sometimes, it is possible to sneak in and out of the sanctuary without anyone noticing. By making a public your desire to be a part of the church it says to everyone, I (we) want to make a commitment to this church. This is not required,

however, and if you want to become a member of the church, but are uncom-fortable coming up front, give me a call.

And what about baptism?In our church, we recognize all forms of baptism as valid (infant baptism, adult baptism, baptism by sprinkling, baptism by immersion are all okay with us). In other words, if you were baptized before you came here, we affirm that baptism. We do not often baptize people again, but can make ex-ceptions if it important to you. We do not require baptism for membership, but it is sometimes a public sign of a new commitment. Call and talk to me if you are interested in baptism.Peace, Pastor Matt

Rev. Matt Gordon Senior MinisterChurchphone:541-753.2671Email:[email protected]

Open Office Hours: Mondays:9:00a.m.-1:00p.m.Tuesdays:1:00p.m.--4:00p.m.

A couple of weeks ago in Sunday School we celebrated Epiphany. First we made crowns, dressed up like Wise People, and prepared to take our journey. Next, we followed the stars up, down, and around the church until we discovered Mary and the Baby Jesus. There we sang a song to Mary and talked about the meaning of Epiphany. Finally we completed our celebration by eating sharing a traditional King Cake, which has a tiny plastic baby Jesus baked inside. Callie was the lucky one to find the baby Jesus in her piece of the cake.

Last week in Sunday School we began studying the Parable of the Mustard Seed. The younger children heard the story and did activities with mustard seeds. The older children also heard the Parable of the Mustard Seed and then did some self exploration and discovery activities about who we are, who we might want to be, and what our potential is.

In Our PrayersGen Erway has lung cancerLinda Stinson has pneumoniaRamona Wheeler passed away. Prayers for her and her familyGeorge Bierman and his family Alice’s friend Andrew; his mother has died Friend of Mary’s father has prostate cancer Gilbert Whale passed away. Prayers for his family Linda Shurtleff ’s brother-in-law Christy Wright’s mother is in hospice careSandy Landis’ son-in-law has throat cancer Winnie Smiley Homeless people that fall through the cracks of the systemEli’s mom and dad Lynnie EvansWill Keim Peace on Earth

This Week in Sunday School…

Memorial Service for Ramona Wheeler Services for Ramona Wheeler will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, at First Christian Church.

drove that afternoon to Klamath Falls. We were concerned about heavy rain, although, we started off with strong west wind but when we got to Eugene the wind subsided and the rain was off and on... we didn’t even have to use the chains. We got to Klamath Falls that Thursday at 8 pm. Two men helped us unload our cargo the following day, while unload-ing, Helene was busy booking our flights for the Philippines to be able to attend her niece’s wedding and family reunion (it was a spur of the moment’s decision). We flew out from San Francisco to Manila that Sunday, Dec. 14th and ar-

rived on Dec. 16th, the wedding was on Dec. 17th in the afternoon. Had a wonderful family reunion and family tour excursion to the rice terraces and other places. The Grants are still in the Manila area until they go back to Klamath Falls on January 22nd.Again, we thank you for praying for us and for thinking of us. At any given time, normally the two highways 58 and 97 could have been snow bound but we drove on smooth highways. We both were grateful how He prepared the way for us. To God be all the glory!

(“Excerpts from the Grant’s Letter” continued from page 1)

What’s Happening…Due Knots MeetWednesday, January 14, at 9:00 a.m. Prepare and tie comforters for the needy kids in our town and “tea time” sharing.

Faith Study GroupFaith Study meets on February 12 at Sandy Landis’ apartment #18 at Samaritan Village. We will study “Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time: The Historical Jesus and the Heart of Contemporary Faith” by Marcus Borg. This is one of his older books and is available from eBay or Amazon for less than $10. It would be wonder-ful if many of you bought the book and were ready to join in a discussion. If you are interested in joining us, read the first chapter before the next meeting in Febru-ary. Let us know if you would like to participate. We would enjoy having you.

Announcements Stephanie Lynn Mason Married Micheal James Key On Wednesday, December 10 2014 Stephanie Lynn Mason, daughter of Donna and Lee Mason, married Micheal James Key in a private cer-emony in Maui, Hawaii. Although we couldn’t have you there is person, because you have shared in our lives by your friendship and love, you were there with us on our special day. Visit: www.theknot.com/wedding/Mason-and-Key

Dinners for Disciples House We are looking for people to help pro-vide meals for Disciples House on Sun-day nights. Dinners should be ready around 6 p.m. and serve 15 people. Monetary donations are also appreciat-ed to defer the costs of providing food. Make a notation on your check, “Disciple House Dinners.”

Sunday Coffee House and Flower Sign-upsSign up to do snacks, coffee, or flowers for Sunday services. Sign up sheets can be found in the Narthex on Sunday or contact the church office. If you have questions email Pamella at [email protected] or Bill at [email protected]

MealsDo you know or are you a church member that is in need of a meal or meals? Please contact Mary Frederick at 541-602-5977 or at [email protected].

New PCC WebsiteThe Pastoral Counseling Center’s website has been improved to bring you virtu-ally everything you need to know about our nonprofit community mental health agency – including how to set up and prepare for an appointment. Better down-load forms, new adjusted fee schedule, and a list of all our sponsoring communi-ties of faith, including yours - http://www.pastoralcounseling-oregon.org

Birthdays1/13-RyanVanderford1/17-MarianVanderford1/18-AlexisVanderford1/20-PatMalone,

MatthiasJohnDoerksen-GoldwaterAnniversaries1/15-KelleyandAaronMarchbanks

Looking AheadJanuary 13• 6:00p.m.-PFICommittee• 7:30p.m.-FinanceCabinetJanuary 14• 9:00a.m.-DueKnotsJanuary 15• 7:00p.m.-LongRangePlanningJanuary 19• MartinLutherKingJr.Day-Churchofficeisclosed

• 7:00p.m.-BoardMeetingJanuary 24• 2:00p.m.-MemorialserviceforRamonaWheeler

January 25• AfterService-CongregationalmeetingJanuary 26• 7:00p.m.-ProgramMeetingFebruary 9• 7:00p.m.-FinanceCabinetFebruary 12• 11:30a.m.-FaithStudygroup

Betty Claypool has Moved Here is her new address: Betty Claypool802 East Mt. View Ave, Apt. #243Ellensburg, WA 98926

119 am-AdultStudy10 am-Worship,w/SundaySchool5:30 pm-StoneSoupSupper

12 135:30 pm-StoneSoupSupper(3:30pmprep)6:00 pm-PFICommittee7:30 pm-FinanceCabinet

149 am-DueKnotsmeet10 am-BibleStudy7 pm-ChoirPractice

157 pm-LongRangePlanning

16 1710 am-StoneSoupBreakfast


19 Martin Luther King Jr. DayChurchofficeisclosed7 pm-BoardMeeting

205:30 pm-StoneSoupSupper(3:30pmprep)

2110 am-BibleStudy

22 23 2410 am-StoneSoupBreakfast2:00 pm-Memo-rialServiceforRamonaWheeler

259 am-AdultStudy10 am-FolkWor-ship,noSundaySchoolAfter service-CongregationalMtg5:30 pm-StoneSoupSupper

267 pm-ProgramMeeting


28 7 pm-ChoirPractice

29 30 3110 am-StoneSoupBreakfast

1 February9 am-AdultStudy10 am-Worship,w/SundaySchool5:30 pm-StoneSoupSupper

2 35:30 pm-StoneSoupSupper(3:30pmprep)

410 am-BibleStudy7 pm-ChoirPractice

5 6 710 am-StoneSoupBreakfast


97 pm-FinanceCabinet


1110 am-BibleStudy7 pm-ChoirPractice

1211:30 am-FaithStudyGroup

13 1410 am-StoneSoupBreakfast

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

January/February 2015

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First Christian Church602 SW Madison AvenueCorvallis, Oregon 97333-4515 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

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Our VisionThe First Christian Church of Corvallis is a diverse inclusive community providing a living witness to the compassionate Christ. From our central location in the heart of Corvallis, we seek out, develop, and support ministries to meet the human needs for physical and spiritual wholeness. On the basis of our Disciple heritage, we embrace the ecumenical movement, develop lay leadership, and promote intellectual freedom in the pursuit of truth. All are welcome to participate. Inclusivity is one of our most important values.

January 13, 2015 vol. 15, issue 2 Maintain Christmas in Our ...heartofcorvallis.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/fcdd...Join us for Sunday Worship January 18 at 10:00 a.m. • 9:00 am

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