Events In The Life Of The Church
Monthly Meetings
- Executive Team: Wednesday, July 16th – 11:15 am
- Community Ministries: Wednesday, July 16th – 1 PM
- Social and Earth Justice: Sunday, July 20th – 9:15 am
- Worship Advisory Team: Thursday, July 24th – 2:15 pm
- FCC General Board: Sunday, July 27th – 1 pm
- Administration Committee: Monday, July 28th – 5 pm
- Pastor Renee’s PRC: Thursday, July 31st – 12 pm
- CLT Task Force: TBA
Time for Prayer
Time for Prayer: Every Wed., 11:00 am, check website for Zoom link.
Collaboration with Other Congregations
Great news! John Moore suggested forming a small group of leaders to reach out to similar congregations in the area. This collaboration will help us understand their challenges and explore potential partnerships.
Next Steps:
- We’ll keep you updated on additional ways to stay informed and share your thoughts on the different options.
- Together, we can find the best path forward.
Building Research Committees Created
We had a great turnout for our town hall meeting on February 16th. It wasn’t perfect, but we did manage to restrict our focus towards two research opportunities: exploring the partnership with Bushnell, and researching the real possibilities of a community land trust (CLT).
Peter Ruffier has offered to continue to take the lead on the Bushnell research group, and a diverse mix of congregants are being sought to sit on that committee. Lori Kievith has offered to lead the CLT research group, and we’re seeking volunteers to be on that research group.
One of the goals of these smaller groups is to restrict their focus on just the fact-finding missions at hand, and to increase communication and transparency.
The Bushnell research group will be editing that MOU. If it is agreed upon, it will be presented at a future town hall. the FCC board would vote on the MOU prior to it being signed.
Updated Security Measures
Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our congregation. To continuously improve the security of our church building, we’ll implement updates to our security presence and policies.
We understand that a place of worship should feel welcoming, and these changes are being made with that in mind. One important update is that the main doors will be closed and locked from outside entry at the start of each service. This will ensure a more controlled environment during service times. If you arrive after the doors are locked, please knock on the main sanctuary door, and a security team member will greet you to allow you entry.
You may also notice the security staff person around the grounds and building before, during, and after service helping mitigate and facilitate proper emergency responses to situations that may arise. Of course, we want everyone to feel welcome.
We’ll be sharing more details about the other security updates and our overall plan soon, but in the meantime, please know that these updates are designed to minimize risk and ensure a safe environment for everyone. If you have any immediate concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Keeper of the House, Trevor Eubanks at 360-562-0189.
Church in the Park Worship and Potluck
Our annual Church in the Park worship and potluck picnic celebration will be held at Alton Baker Park on Sunday, July 13th, under our usual spot at Shelter #2, beginning at 10:30 am.
Please bring a potluck dish complete with a card listing ingredients for our folks with food allergies! Water will be available as well as extra paper plates and plasticware. Bring your own tableware if you want something more sturdy!
Dan is working on live streaming the service on YouTube, so stay tuned (literally!).
Meeting Food Insecurity
When the Community Ministries Team (CMT) heard that Food for Lane County (FLC) had lost a large amount of Federal funding, which resulted in a loss of over 1.2 million pounds of food this year, we decided to ask for the return of the Food Barrel in our church.
The barrel has now garnered its first full gathering and is being sent to FLC. Great work, people! A new barrel is on its way. Let’s keep at it.
When you go to the grocery store along with your food selections for yourself, pick up a few items for the barrel and people in need. We are indeed a church that cares and embodies it in acts of care.
If you would like to give a cash donation for the Food Hub, checks should be made out to First Congregational Church, Food Hub, 1050 E. 23rd Ave. Eugene, OR 97405.
Postcard Writing Group
Our Postcard Writing and Calling Group will meet on July 20th in the Library at 9:15 am. We welcome all ages!
Ice Cream Social
Please plan to attend an Old Time Ice Cream Social on Sunday, July 20th at 4 pm!
This event is a fundraiser for Family Camp Scholarships, so join us for great ice cream and an opportunity to help individuals and families attend Family Camp on Labor Day weekend.
Summer BBQ Donations
We’re having our first summer barbecue on Friday, July 25th. We’re accepting donations of potato salad, Mac salad, and canned beans for sides.
If you have a side to donate, please bring it to the office the week of July 21st-25th.
Helping Hearts
Two of our most heavily demanded items continue to be coats and blankets. So many people have had their coats and blankets stolen or picked up by the police that it is hard for them to keep them.
We are also still in great need of:
- Men’s Large Underwear
- Socks
- Large Sweatpants
- Large Sweatshirts
Outdoor Ministry 2025 Camp
The Oregon and SW Idaho Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) invites you to summer camp 2025!
This summer, our region is offering two exciting opportunities for our children and youth to gather together in community for fellowship, spiritual growth, and FUN!
Elementary Camp
For children who have completed grades 1-5, we are offering camp the week of July 21-25, 2025. This camp will be held at the beautiful Suttle Lake camp near Sisters, Oregon, and is an ecumenical camp with our Methodist and Episcopalian friends. The camp theme will help us recognize that we are linked by love. Music, art, games, conversations, time in nature, and more will help our campers with their exploration.
Cost is $588. A $50 deposit is due at time of registration. If you register by May 5th, you’ll receive a $25 Early Bird Discount.
Camp scholarships are available through many local congregations. If you need a scholarship or have other questions about this camp, please contact Rev. Sara Staton at revsarastaton@gmail.com
Middle/High School Camp
For youth who have completed grades 6-12, we are offering camp the week of August 4-8, 2025. This camp will also be at Suttle Lake Camp near Sisters, Oregon. The camp theme will be centered around the idea that there is always room at the table! In fact, the table is crowded! Worship, games, small group discussions, outdoor activities, and more will fill the week. Join us at summer camp this year to find your seat!
Cost is $450. Payment Link for Middle and High School Camp HERE!
If you need a scholarship or have other questions about this camp, please contact Alicia Speidel at aliciaspeidel@gmail.com or Kimberly Roberts at edminister@redrockchristianchurch.org
For more information about our Outdoor Ministries, please contact Pastor Tracia Deal at pastor@redrockchristianchurch.org
Prayer Pods 2025
The book that has been chosen for this year’s Prayer Pod discussions is “Christianity Must Change or Die” by Episcopal Bishop John Shelby Spong.
Please sign up at the back of the sanctuary. Books will be available at cost ($5.00) and groups will be assigned at the end of June. If you would like to download a Kindle instead of a physical book, this book is available in that format as well.
Jigsaw Puzzle Exchange
We’ve had a big response from puzzle-lovers in our congregation. We have over 30 puzzles in the church library, which can be borrowed for summer fun at home.
Bring one in to exchange if you have one, or just borrow one that’s there! There are puzzles from 48 pieces (grandchildren, anyone?) up to 1000 pieces (very popular with the college-age set). There’s something for just about anyone.
Jigsaw Puzzle Exchange
We’ve had a big response from puzzle-lovers in our congregation. We have over 30 puzzles in the church library, which can be borrowed for summer fun at home.
Bring one in to exchange if you have one, or just borrow one that’s there! There are puzzles from 48 pieces (grandchildren, anyone?) up to 1000 pieces (very popular with the college-age set). There’s something for just about anyone.
12-Step Meeting In Our Building
We are delighted to announce that we will have a new tenant joining us Monday through Friday from 12-2(ish) in the Chapel.
The group is a long-standing and well-established Narcotics Anonymous meeting. They have been at their previous location for 30 years! However, they lost their place because the organization is repurposing its space from a meeting room to pastoral housing.
We have offered them a very affordable intro price of $50 per month to match what they are currently spending. They will be building their attendance up and formulating a new contribution structure to increase their giving for the use of the space.
Looking for Ways to Volunteer?
Visit our Volunteer Opportunities page!
Here, you can find ways you can step in and serve- both at First Christian Church and out in the community. Opportunities come up as needs arise, so be sure to check often!
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