Events In The Life Of The Church
Monthly Meetings
August Meeting Schedule Coming Soon!
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.
Asking for Summer BBQ Donations
We’re having our second and final summer barbecue on Friday, August 22nd. We are again 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 August 18th through the 22nd.
Rally Sunday
As we come back from summer vacations and the kids go back to school, Pastor Zane is planning a special Rally Sunday service on September 7th.
As we come back home and go back to school, it’s also a “come back to church” Sunday for the whole congregation. Please plan to join us!
Food For Lane County Barrel
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.
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 in great need of:
- T-Shirts
- Shorts
- Ball Caps
All-Church Camp Out
The all-church camp out will take place from August 29th to 31st at Camp Lutherwood in Cheshire. This year’s theme will be OUR STORIES FROM THE WILDERNESS, led by our own Pastor Renee.
We had hoped to secure a van to transport day attendees, but unfortunately, this has not worked out. If you plan to be a “Day Attendee” and can help transport 1 – 2 people, please let Marilyn Reid or Connie Kennedy know.
Please know that lack of funds is not a reason for not attending our camp-out. Please do not hesitate to ask for scholarship assistance by contacting Pastor Reneé or Pastor Zane.
There will be no in-person worship service in our building on Sunday, August 31.
Let’s come together and make this another memorable year of faith, fun, and fellowship.
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.
Prayer Pods 2025
It is still possible to sign up, and we need two more people to fill the final group. Please consider joining us!
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.
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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