Events In The Life Of The Church
Regular Gatherings
- Bell Choir: Every Wednesday, 6 PM
- Chancel Choir: Every Wednesday, 7:30 PM
- Sanctuary Musicians: Every Thursday, 5:30 PM
- Time for Prayer: Every Wednesday, 11 AM
- Helping Hearts: Every Tuesday & Thursday, 12-2 PM
October Meetings
- Personnel Committee: Thursday, October 2 – 9 AM
- Ministerial Search Committee: Sunday, October 5 – 12:15 PM
- Spiritual Formation Committee: Wednesday, October 8 – 2 PM (Zoom)
- Board Meeting: Sunday, October 12 – 2 to 4 PM
- Elders Meeting: Sunday, October 12 – 12:15 PM
- Shawl Ministry: Monday, October 13 – 6:30 PM
- Community Land Trust Task Force: Monday, October 13 – 4 PM
- Community Ministries Committee (CMT): Wednesday, October 15 – 4 PM
- Executive Team: Wednesday, October 15 – 11:15 AM
- Worship Advisory Committee (WAC): Thursday, October 16 – 2:15 PM
- Community Ministries Team: Wednesday, October 22 – 1 PM
- Social & Earth Justice: Sunday, October 26 – 9:15 AM
- Administration Committee: Monday, October 27 – 5:30 PM
Time for Prayer
Time for Prayer: Every Wed., 11:00 am, check website for Zoom link.
September 2025: Notes From Community Land Trust (CLT) Task Force Meeting With CLT Attorney
The following are notes from a consultation meeting with David Atkins, an attorney whose practice specializes in the creation of Community Land Trusts (CLTs). This attorney specializes in creating CLTs and is known to Dan. Notes were taken by Renee.
PRESENT:
- David Atkins, attorney at law
- Isabel, another attorney in the practice, was also present.
- Dan, Donna, and Renee were present from church.
David told us that he has helped to create a number of community land trusts in Oregon and in the Eugene area, the most recent being McKenzie Community Land Trust, which was incorporated in 2022 and just recently purchased land for affordable housing in the Blue River area. David outlined the process to us and gave us the steps that we would take along the way.
First, we file Articles of Incorporation which the attorneys would do for us. Next, we have a bylaw design meeting with everyone who is involved in the creation of the CLT. (At this point, it is fine for most of those people to be from the church, and they will be joined by David and his team. David and his people would take the information from that meeting and create a draft of the bylaws.) The next step in the process is an organizational meeting, and David’s team will send out the agenda for the organizational meeting once we have identified approximately five people from both the church and the Eugene community that we have recruited to be on the board. Afterwards, we (David’s Practice) would submit the forms to the Oregon Department of Justice to apply to form the CLT. Then, we will apply to the IRS for our 501(c)3 nonprofit standing. After the board has been recruited and approved, David and his people will do a board training with the first board, record that training, and give us both the recording and a digital copy of all of the information conveyed.
As for the timing of the process, David stated that it typically takes 6 to 8 weeks to complete the work with the Oregon DOJ, assemble the board, conduct the training, and hold the organizational meeting required to launch the CLT. He also noted that it can take the IRS 8 to 10 months to process our application to become a 501(c) (3). That application is called a 1023, but David said that the good news about it is that we don’t have to wait for the IRS to finish the process before we can start taking contributions. David said that any contributions taken after the organizational meeting but before the IRS’s determination will be postdated to that date of determination. In other words, anything given to us during the 8 to 10 months it takes the IRS to decide will still be tax-deductible for the donor. He also said that we can apply for expedited consideration, which, if granted, shortens the time frame to about eight weeks.
David then informed us that his practice charges a flat fee for approximately the first six months of the CLT’s life, and everything included in the process above is covered by that flat fee, as well as any questions we might have about the CLT at any time. (it’s all part of that flat fee… they don’t charge by the minute in any way) The basic flat fee for all charges is $6,900. That’s for all the filings, all the applications, and everything that needs to be done to create the CLT. His practice will take half of that fee upfront and then the rest in six months, when the work is typically completed. He also noted that two fees are not from his company but are from the IRS both Oregon and the United States. Those charges are $50.00 for the OR Dept. of Revenue and $600 to file and receive what we need from the IRS.
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.
Helping Hearts
Helping Hearts needs the following:
- Blankets
- Gently Used Shoes
- Men’s Shoes
- Belts
- Ties
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.
You can bring donations to the:
- Sanctuary Barrel (Sundays)
- Church Office (Monday-Thursday)
- Helping Hearts Room (Tuesday or Thursday) *The Helping Hearts Room entrance is at the back of the church
Important Outreach Ministries
Two of our Church outreach ministries are Helping Hearts and Interfaith Food Hub.
Our Helping Hearts free clothing store is open every Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 2:00 p.m.
Volunteers at the Interfaith Food Hub prepare healthy sandwich lunches, serving about 2,150 hungry people every week.
One way to be a “hands-on helper” is to bring clothes and non-perishable food to the barrels located by the front door of the church.
If you would like to volunteer your services, call Sharon Warner or Verna Tjemsland. You can obtain their phone numbers by calling the church office.
Adult Ed. Class on the book "On Tyranny"
Beginning Sunday, September 7th, a four-week series on the book “On Tyranny” will be presented by Chuck Sturms, Eliza Drummond, and Paul Neville.
Regardless of your political leanings, you are welcome to explore this historical perspective of how citizens from Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, and other contemporary cultures have dealt with tyrants.
You don’t need to read the book, but the presentation will provide an overview of this timely topic. The class starts at 9:15 in the church library. It will conclude by 10:15, in time for you to attend the service.
The last presentation of this class will be October 5th.
Bell Choir Rehearsals
Handbell rehearsals are held on Wednesdays at 6 pm.
If anyone is interested in bells or has any questions, please contact Patty Osborne.
Choir Rehearsals
Rehearsals for the choir are held on Wednesdays from 7:30 to 8:30 pm in the Chapel. We rehearse every week so we can sing for the service once or twice each month during the school year.
We welcome new members and have room in every voice part. We also have fun! Please join us!
August Food Hub Report
With Faith Community Volunteers working together, the Food Hub distributes 280 sack lunches every day to hungry folks in our community.
That came out to be 8,520 in August.
Want to Help?
- You can pray for this ministry
- You can put non-perishable food in the barrel at the front door (We have filled two barrels with food now)
- You can phone Verna Tjemsland to volunteer.
- You can mail a check to First Congregational Church marked Food Hub, 1050 E. 23rd Ave, Eugene, OR 97405.
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.
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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