This Week, Ash Wednesday Meal and Service

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1 February 28, 2017 vol. 18, issue 08 Join us March 5 for Sunday Service at 10:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m.-adult Sunday School 10:00 a.m. - Service (w/sunday School) 5:30 p.m. - Group 4 at the Doerksens 5:30 p.m. - Stone (prep at 3:30) Called to Serve Elders: Don Zobel, Prill Zobel Home Communion: Susan Latham Preparing Deacons: Rick Olsen, Mona Gerig Serving Deacons: *Donna Mason, Lee Mason,Sylvia Baarstad, Kathy Crawford Coffee Cart and Snack: na Flowers: na Greeter: Karen Griswold Sunday Worship Accessibility Hearing assistance devices, large print bulletins and hymnals are available. Sermons Online Stone Soup Meal Count Tuesday, 2/ Saturday, 2/ Sunday, 2/ Staff Rev. Matt Gordon... Senior Minister Matthew Clark...Choir Director Eric Qian... Pianist Charlene Lincoln...Church Secretary Jill Shinkawa...Communications Manager Kevin Weaver... Paladin Lucas Teeter...Disciples House Resident Advisor Christa Schmeder...Director of Youth Ministry This Week, Ash Wednesday Meal and Service Join us for Ash Wednesday on Wednesday, March 1. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. at McLean Hall. The service of ashes starts at 6:30 p.m. The imposition of ashes marks the beginning of the season of Lent, a time of intentional introspection, prayer, and contemplative. Matt s Moment Recently, I was looking for Margaret Atwood s A Handmaid s Tale at my friendly neighborhood book store. It was not in its usual place so I asked the clerk for assistance. Oh, it is on the dystopian fiction shelf, she said. Book store humor, so I thought. It turns out that there is actually a dystopian fiction shelf. (Dystopia is the opposite concept of utopia which is an imagined future society Moments from the Past Sunday that is perfect or ideal for its inhabitants. Think 1984, Brave New World or The Hunger Games). This gave me my idea for Lent. Part of our Christian tradition is the prophetic tradition. Jesus carries forward a long prophetic tradition from the Hebrew Bible through his words and actions. His sermons and sayings borrow heavily Continued on page 2... Top left: A wonderful violin solo introduction to the song If I Needed You. Left: The congregation really got into the folk music groove. Above: Matt pointed out the stained glass window on which the name James A. Garfield appears. Garfield was the 20th U.S. president and a Disciple minister.

2 Matt s Minute (Continued from page 1) from the prophets, particularly Isaiah and Jeremiah. The prophetic tradition imagines a better future, but takes several punches at the current reality as well. The prophetic tradition draws heavily on metaphor and imagery to consider a better today and a better tomorrow. Dystopian literature, in a way, is a twisted version of prophecy. It imagines a worse future and is often a political criticism of current realities. As we approach the season of Lent and Easter, I want us to think prophetically. Thinking prophetically is about imagination and critical thinking. Prophetic thinking allows us to dream dreams and have vision and it requires us to take a critical look at today s policies and procedures. We will be spending some time borrowing from dystopian literature and the gospels to tackle some of the challenges of our present and our future. Lent is a season of intentional reflection, prayer and discernment. It affords us an opportunity to think critically about who we are as individuals and who we are as a community. Below is a schedule of events for the coming season. I look forward to seeing you there! Peace, Pastor Matt This Wednesday, March 1 5:30 Pancake Dinner 6:30 Ash Wednesday service- Ash Wednesday draws on an ancient tradition of recalling our own mortality and examining our own separation from God and each other. Sunday, March 5 - Having It All How do we resist the temptation of consumerism and materialism? How does our desire to have it all contribute to the inequity and injustice in our world. Jesus is explicit about not building up treasures on earth, why do we keep buying stuff? Scripture focus: Rev. Matt Gordon Senior Minister Church phone: matt@heartofcorvallis.org Open Office Hours: Mondays: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Tuesdays: 1:00 p.m. - -4:00 p.m. Matthew 4:1-11. Book Focus: Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. Sunday, March 12 - The Only Way? What does it mean to be a Christian in our global world? Does religion really matter anymore? Is there something inherently dangerous about religious exclusivism? Scripture focus: John 3:1-17. Book focus: A Handmaid s Tale by Maragaret Atwood. Sunday, March 19 - Second Chances and our Digital Footprint We live in a world where getting a second chance is nearly impossible. Our choices and our mistakes follow us wherever we go. More and more of our lives are public information. Scripture focus: John 4:5-42 Book focus: The Circle by Dave Eggers Sunday, March 26 - Sacrifice and Atonement Does atonement and sacrifice still have a place in our society? Scripture focus: Hebrews 10:1-10. Book focus: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Sunday, April 2 - Others One of the largest controversies that Jesus encountered was the inclusiveness of his message. For centuries, the Hebrews were the chosen people of God, Jesus did not abolish their connection with God, but challenged their exclusive claim of God. How do we embrace diversity and develop a beloved community that is more reflective of the kingdom of God? Scripture focus: Luke 7:1-10. Book focus: The Giver by Lois Lowry. Sunday, April 9 - Palm/Passion Sunday What does it mean to lean into suffering? How do we embrace pain and suffering as part of our narrative and not something to be avoided at all costs. Do we really want a world where no suffering exists? Scripture focus: Matthew 27: Book focus: The Giver by Lois Lowry. Thursday, April 13- Maundy Thursday, Seder Meal at 6:00 p.m. We will share a meal that connects us to our Hebrew story through a tradition Passover meal. Friday, April 14- Good Friday service at 7:00 p.m. Together, with First Presbyterian Church and First Congregational Church we will remember the crucifixion of Christ on this Holy Friday. Sunday, April 16- Easter Join us for our day of Easter Celebration. 6:30 a.m. - Sunday Morning 5K walk/run 8:00 a.m. - Easter Sunrise Service with Folk Musicians 9:00 a.m. - Easter breakfast 10:00 a.m. - Easter Worship, a full morning with baptisms, special anthems from the choir and a message of resurrection and hope.

3 Youth Education From Christa Schmeder Who is my neighbor? A couple of weeks ago we started looking into the story of The Good Samaritan. Many of our Sunday School students remember the story from when we made a movie a few years ago. They know God says to love your neighbor and be kind to neighbors in need. This season we are focusing on questions that are a little bit harder for them to answer. Who is your neighbor at home? Who is your neighbor at school? On the playground? In our country? In the world? How do you be nice to people that are not always nice to you? Did Jesus mean we have to be nice to them too? Preschool - 2nd Grade, with Vicki We read the story of The Good Samaritan and watched the videos the Sunday School kids made several years ago of the story. We talked about how being a Good Samaritan meant we try to help whenever we can regardless whom or whatever needs help. Then we recreated the story with Legos. what is love, who do we love, who loves us, and how we love those we don t know. We acted out The Good Samaritan and talked about the things we do and the things the church does to help others. Middle and High School, with Emily and Miranda The students took time to admire each other s finished journal and started to complete calendars, inserting special days onto the pages. Each student went about this task in a different way. While their hands were busily working, they started to brainstorm ways they could help teach the younger classrooms about The Good Samaritan. They also found their way to a conversation about individual happiness in the reality of the jobs that require repetitive, labor intensive tasks. In Our Prayers Margaret Coon is in a rehab facility in Albany Mary Stuart hurt her arm Continued prayers for Jim Stinson s chronic back pain. Bill Smart s brother, Jim Carol Bailey s back problems Cherie is doing great! Continued prayers for the Reynolds. For all people affected by immigration laws Roger Weaver and his family Lynnie Evans and family Joyce Miller For our country and leaders Kudos to Marcene! Volunteer Interfaith Caregivers presented Marcene Stuart with the volunteer of the year award! Marcene is a blessing to all of us. 3rd - 5th Grade, with Leah We had a great time! We talked about Opportunity to Evaluate Pastor Matt The pastor/parish committee is helping to facilitate, at the request of Pastor Matt, an evaluation process. The process is designed to evaluate both strengths and growing edges for Pastor Matt. Once identified, these strengths and growing edges will be used to help Pastor Matt develop short and long term goals. If you would like to participate in the process, there is a short questionnaire available at the church office or a copy can be ed to you upon request. Your responses will be shared with Pastor Matt, but will remain anonymous. We ask for your name because members of the pastor/ parish committee may contact you for further clarification. Disciples Stand with Standing Rock in D.C. Gather with Disciples, ecumenical partners, folk from across the land, and Standing Rock Sioux in D.C. to call for justice in favor of the people, the water, and the land. There is a multi-faith prayer service in the works for the evening of March 9. The march will begin at 10:00 a.m. on March 10. You can find more information and register for the event at

4 Looking Ahead March 1 - Ash Wednesday 5:30 pm-meal 6:30 pm-service of Ashes March 3 10:00 am-due Knots meet March 5 5:30 pm-group 4 at the Doerksens March 12 Daylight Saving Time Starts-ahead 1 hr. After Service-Life s Fourth Quarter March 13 7:00 pm-finance Cabinet March 14 1:00 pm-women s Lunch at Evergreen March 20 7:00 pm-program Cabinet March 24 10:00 am-due Knots meet March 26 After Service-Life s Fourth Quarter April 9 - Palm Sunday 5:30 pm-group 4 at the Smarts April 10 7:00 pm-finance Cabinet April 13 Maundy Thursday April 14 7:00 pm-ecumenical Good Friday Service at FCC April 16 - Easter Sunday! 8:00 am- Sunrise Folk Service 8:30-9:30 am - Easter Breakfast 10:00 am- Easter Worship April 17 7:00 pm-program Cabinet April 20 7:00 pm-women meet at the Griswolds May 7 5:30 pm-group 4 at the Griswolds May 8 7:00 pm-finance Cabinet May 13 2:00 pm-mother s Day Tea Party Happy Birthday! 3/2 - Peggy Hall 3/3 - David Amity 3/5 - Dawn Lasater 3/7 - Kathy Crawford What s Happening Due Knots Meet Twice in March Due Knots meet on Friday, March 3 at 10:00 a.m. The next meeting is Friday, March 24, from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Yes, this is our second meeting in March. There will be no meeting in April. Come help us tie comforters for kids at risk in our community. We would enjoy hearing your news and a joke! Group 4 in March On March 5 you are invited to Doerksens (2210 NW Elmwood Drive) for Group 4 at 5:30 p.m. Pamella will prepare pulled pork and have barbecue sauce and buns to make sandwiches. You are welcome to bring potluck salads and desserts or whatever you want to go with the sandwiches. If it is a busy weekend for you just come. Let Pamella know you will attend. (apdoerksen@comcast.net or ) Anyone who would like to get to know us is welcome to join Group 4. Adult Education Class: Life s Fourth Quarter On March 12, we will have a guest speaker from McHenry s Funeral Home. Margie will talk and answer questions about making arrangements for the last celebration of our lives. Making arrangements in advance of our death, is a wonderful gift to the family you leave behind. In addition to grief, there is the stress about making decisions without all the information your family may need. Come join us as we continue to learn together. Snacks will continue to be available. Please RSVP to Prill ( or leave message) so that we can be sure our speaker has enough hand outs of information to give to all who are interested. Announcements Gathering on the River at Belknap Hot Springs Looking ahead to an enjoyable three nights at the Gathering on the River at Belknap Hot Springs Resort? This is an event that adds fun, connection, and relaxation with the church family. Dates: June 29 to July 2, Put this date on your calendar in red! To register, contact Linda Stinson. Around Town International Women s Day Event In celebration of International Women s Day, the inspiring documentary film Girl Rising will be shown on Wednesday, March 8, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 114 SW 8th St, Corvallis. The film features the touching stories of nine girls from around the world who faced tremendous challenges in their pursuit of an education. Hosted by Friendship with Cambodia and the Corvallis Multicultural Literacy Center. $10 donation to support girls education in Cambodia Interfaith Potluck Dinner You are invited to the Interfaith Potluck on Sunday, March 19 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Corvallis, 4515 SW West Hills Road. Come and bring a friend. Vegetarian potluck to accommodate dietary preferences. Bring labels to indicate gluten or dairy-free if possible. If it s easy, bring your own plate/cup/silverware. We will have paper plates if needed. For more information: UCC Church office, The Taizé Prayer Service Taize services are held on the first Sunday of the month through June. Services in 2017: 3/5, 4/2, 5/7, 6/4, at the Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan. Any questions, contact Kathy, , kathyfarnsworth@comcast.net

5 26 10 am-folk Worship, no Sunday School After Service- Adult Education (3:30 February/March/April Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 March-Lent Begins Ash Wednesday 5:30 pm-meal 6:30 pm-service am-due Knots meet am-worship, w/sunday School 5:30 pm-group 4 at the Doerksens 6 7 3:30 pm-fcc turn to prep/serve Stone Soup (3: Daylight Saving Time-ahead 1 hr. 10 am-worship, w/sunday School After Service- Adult Education 13 7 pm-finance Cabinet 14 1 pm-women s Lunch at Evergreen (3: am-worship, w/sunday School 20 7 pm-program Cabinet 21 (3: am-due Knots meet am-folk Worship, no Sunday School After Service- Adult Education (3: April

6 First Christian Church 602 SW Madison Avenue Corvallis, Oregon RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Our Vision The 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. Help us save paper, postage and money - receive the newsletter electronically. Send an to jill@heartofcorvallis.org and put Subscribe Dispatch as the subject. If you are not receiving the Disciples Dispatch please inform the church office. Please recycle this newsletter.