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First Christian Church
May Newsletter
SAVE THE DATE!
Dining for Dollars
May 31st and June 7th
The Largest Fund
Raiser of the Year!
Dining for Dollars combines
fellowship and fundraising.
Members create events, based on their own interests, and
agree to invite others along. When all the events are
submitted, we have a silent auction for 2 Sundays and bid
for a chance to attend. All the proceeds from the silent
auction go directly into the General Operating Budget
(General Fund) for the following year. Last year we raised
over $5500. Can we exceed that goal? It’s up to you!
SOME FAVORITES in the past include: Duck Football
Watching Party, Mainland Luau, Murder Mystery Dinner
Party, Caribbean Party, Texas Hold ’em Poker and BBQ
GET INVOLVED: Consider hosting an event this year.
Partner up with other members of the church to share the
load. Host in your home, at a local park, in the church
basement, or at a local eatery. You determine the number
of guests. You determine the event date. Host forms are
available in the sanctuary and church office and are due
May 17.
2015
Peace Village Vacation Bible School for Youth:
Interfaith Day Camp
June 22 – June 26
9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
VBS 2015 will take place in cooperation with First
Congregational Church of Eugene, through their program
called Peace Village. At Peace Village, children learn
the way of peace through art, yoga, nonviolent conflict
resolution, interfaith religious practices, music and much,
much more.
The camp is for all children of our community ages
7-13. Cost is $85 but financial assistance available. No
one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Youth in the 8th grade and beyond have the opportunity
to serve as counselors. Adult volunteers are also encouraged to apply. Registration materials are in the church
office or on our website. Applications are due May 31st.
It takes a village to create Peace Village.
Held at First Congregational United Church of Christ
1050 East 23rd Ave, Eugene, OR 97405 541-345-8741
SILENT AUCTION INFORMATION: This year we will
bid on May 31st from 8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (before and
after both services) and then on June 7th from 8:45 a.m.
to 11:00 a.m.
CONTACT: Patty Osborne: mickeyduck@comcast.net
EUGENE,
OREGON
May 24,
10:30 a.m.
Combined Service
No Education Hour
(Wear red or fiery
colors to worship)
Minister’s Moment
Some of you have been eagerly awaiting my report from the General Board meeting of
the Christian Church (DOC), hosted by the Greater Kansas City Region. Besides the
great bbq & hospitality of the congregations in Kansas City, we gathered attend to the
business of the wider church in preparation for the General Assembly this July in
Columbus, Ohio. You can learn more about General Assembly and the resolutions it
will vote upon this summer at ga.disciples.org.
Allow me to summarize some of our business:
Addressing the 2014 General Board, General Minister Sharon Watkins challenged the
Board and our whole church: “The time has come to lighten our load and tighten our
focus – on mission! I am inviting our Church, in all its expressions, to join in a Churchwide conversation on God’s mission for Disciples today – and to establish new
mechanisms that would hold us accountable to that mission.” A special mission task force was appointed in 2014 and
they returned to the 2015 board meeting with a proposal for a 2-year pilot program called Mission First! This business
item will be voted on at the General Assembly. This program will focus the church’s efforts to identify mission
priorities. Identifying clear priorities will have clear implications for how we fund the church’s mission in the coming
years. By fall of 2015 you will hear of a Mission First! gathering coming to our region. I hope you will make every
effort to attend and give voice to the subjects most important in the life of this community and the nation that you
would like the church to address. From these grassroots gatherings, a Mission Council will discern and identify key
mission priorities and direction. The 2016 General Board meeting has been cancelled in order that all levels of the
church can be engaged in the Mission First! program. What is the point? To make the church more effective and nimble
in its ability to shift money, focus, and energy when mission priorities call upon us to do so.
Here are some other exciting resolutions coming to this summer’s assembly:
GA-1518 encourages all manifestations of the church to become supporters of the Black Lives Matter movement,
specifically asking congregations to become safe spaces and sanctuary for peaceful protestors and to participate in
furthering sacred conversations and dialogue on race relations and inclusion.
GA-1521 is a substitute resolution on Gun Violence in North America. A substitute resolution is created when two
or more resolutions are presented to the General Board on the same topic. GA-1521 urges all levels of the church to
prayerfully examine its relationship to a pervasive culture of gun violence and to collaborate with individuals and
groups to reduce gun violence. This resolution also asks each congregation to declare itself a gun-free zone where state
and local laws do not already do so.
GA-1523 supports church leaders as they become more knowledgeable and supportive of persons with mental health
disorders and will support congregations by developing website material, through Disciples Home Missions, for
leaders to fight the stigma of mental illness, be supportive of recovery, and educate members about mental health. These
resources will include how to care for loved ones, and how to welcome and support new and existing members affected.
There are a dozen more resolutions but these are the ones I believe speak directly to the mission work we are engaged
in every day.
2015 is the last year that I serve as a representative of the Oregon/SW Idaho Region to the General Board and as a
representative of our congregation to the Regional Board. One of the last items of business was in the confirmation of
Ms. Bernice Rivera-Martinez, member of Murray Hills Christian Church in Portland, as a class of 2019 General Board
member. Bernice has served on the board in the past and will continue to bring excellence to her role as representative.
You will no doubt be hearing from Bernice as more information on Mission First! and other general church
opportunities are brought back to our region. Thank you, First Christian Church, for supporting my decision to be on
the General Board, giving me an opportunity to connect you to the wider church and for me to develop professional
connections and feel a part of something bigger.
April
Spring Education Classes
Continuing through May 17, Sundays at 10:15 a.m.
Lost Scriptures: Do we have the Right Bible? ~Library~
Instructor: Michael Kennedy
In the first centuries after Christ, there was no official New Testament. Instead, early
Christians read and fervently followed a wide variety of scriptures—many more than
we have today. Relying on these writings, Christians held beliefs that today would
be considered bizarre. Some believed that there were 2, 12, or as many as 30 gods. Some thought that a malicious deity
created the world. What do these “other” scriptures say? What happened to those scriptures? Are they around today?
Do they have anything meaningful to say to us in the 21st century? These are a few of the questions we shall address
through discussions, lectures, video presentations, in-class readings, and other approaches.
The Labyrinth Journey ~Chapel~
Instructor: Lorette Waggoner, Veriditas trained Labyrinth Facilitator
Labyrinths as spiritual tools within the Christian tradition date back to at least the 4th century, and were in considerable
use by the Franco-Christian community in the late 12th century. Today labyrinths are once again in wide use by
Christians across North America, Europe, portions of Africa and in other global communities. This archetypal tool is
used in a variety of ways for a variety of purposes, from therapeutic to pietistic, pragmatic to mystical and intuitive.
During this six-week class we will look at the history, the art form, alternatives to a large permanent installation, and
how to make your own. We will celebrate World Labyrinth Day on May 2. See page 7 for details.
In Our Own Voice: NAMI presentations (National Alliance on Mental Illness) ~History Room~
This class will end on May 3rd. We are grateful to be educated by NAMI’s Executive Director Jose Soto-Gates in his
Crisis Intervention workshop and to all the wonderful NAMI presenters.
High School and Middle School Youth: “Compassion in Action”
Meet in room 314 at 10:15 sharp and come prepared to work! Each week youth will participate in hands on ministry
activities around the church, like the Helping Hand room, the Good Samaritan Ministry, the Sunday breakfast, Vision
Builder, and more. Classes are facilitated by multiple adult volunteers, including Pastor April, Jon & April Ekstrom,
Laura Powell, Mary Brorby, Fred Brandenfels, and Alex Horne
Children Worship & Wonder: ages 4 - 1st grade, Room 352
The Way of the Child: Grades 2-6, Room 351
What an amazing educational year we have had at FCC Eugene. The best problem we face on
Sunday morning is in choosing which wonderful class to attend. Please thank our many
volunteer teachers when you see them. They have taken our hands, opened our minds and touched
our hearts. With deep appreciation for all the time, energy, and joy you brought to the entire
congregation this year, signed April & Dan. And special thank you to our Spiritual Formation Task Force for the
ongoing work of recruiting teachers and classes all year long.
Betsy Brandenfels
Jennifer Thompson
John Thompson
Lynn Berhow
Larry Wahlstrom
Jamie McCornack
Amy Metzger
April & Jon Ekstrom
Mary Brorby
Laura Powell
Michael Kennedy
Chuck Sturms
Sharon Warner
Lorette Waggoner
Teffany Hefner
Alice Allen
Evelyn Anderton
Janet Anderson
Laurie Geiger
Jennifer Harris
Diana Hoffman, Eugene Sangha
Eric Richardson, NAACP of Eugene
Jose Soto-Gates, NAMI
Nursery Team Danette Lamson
Clark Wilde
MaryAnn Boss
Melanie Adelaars
Jenny Ann Harris
Announcements
Pray for: David Follingstad;
Sebastian Sturms; Marlene Miller;
Linda Dorsey; Isaiah Gonzales (Elaine
Andres grandson); Joan Bogart,
Danette’s mother; Linda Rothauge;
Amy Metzger; Jerry Linville; Janet
Anderson;Faye Cole; Chuck Sturms;
Monika Vogel; Lucille Johnston;
Donna Reitz; Sandra Pruzynski and
Meta Hopper; Lillian Parker; Aaron Miller (Leitha
Menegat’s son); Tim Cole; the Pool family (Karen
Sturms’ family); Gwen Hershiser; Cass and Nora
Dykeman; Eva Canoy; Sarah and Joey Vaughan; Mary,
Adeline, and Haeworth Robertson.
Prayers for Global Ministries: Bethany Waggoner.
Prayers for Our Sponsored Child: Lavanya
Venkatesan
Prayers for Our Homebound Members: Clarine Shemwell; Pat Decker; Diz and Melanie Greer; Dave and
Carolyn Follingstad; Lucille Johnston; Ginny Busic;
and Lillian Parker.
Christian Women’s Fellowship (CWF)
April Giving Totals:
Gen. Offering, $112.00 (split between Wema and Global
Ministries); Church World Service, $9.00 for sub-total
of $112.00; Contingency, $.94, for total of $121.94.
There were six women present.
Church Women United
June Meeting
Annual Strawberry
Shortcake Festival
Friday, June 5, 9:14-11:15 a.m.
Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, 3925 Hilyard St.
Forum topic: Hunger in Lane County
Transcribers Needed!
We are looking for more volunteers to occasionally
transcribe sermons from mp3 audio recordings. Each
transcription takes about an hour and a half to two hours
to type up, so the more people the better to get these
sermons available to read on our website, Email or call
Ariel in the office to sign up: (541)344-1425
office@heartofeugene.org
Staff Vacations Coming Up:
Dan will return from Vacation on May 4.
John will be taking the Bell Choir to a conference
May 1-3, and will be on vacation June 22- July 13.
Patty will be gone May 18-25 and July 1-13.
Ariel will be studying in Quito, Ecuador this
summer from July 1- September 15.
Recipes Needed for a Special
Sesquicentennial Cookbook
If you would like to contribute 5 of your best
recipes to our church cookbook, you can bring
them to Sunday service and give them to April
Ekstrom or email her: aprilandjonek@gmail.com.
Help us celebrate our graduates
Please write to the church office
by May 31 with details of the
graduates in your family. We
honor all school transitions;
elementry -> middle -> high ->
college -> graduate, etc.
We will celebrate our graduates
in worship on Sunday, June 14.
Setting the Record Straight:
A correction to last month’s
“Minister’s Moment”
In my column last month I attributed the change
in mascots at Northwest Christian University to
NCU President David Wilson. That was incorrect.
The “Crusaders” became the “Beacons” under the
leadership of President Jim Womack. It was under
David Wilson that “Northwest Christian College”
became “Northwest Christian University”, I think!
--Dan
Community Events
Seeking Christian Host Families
What: Middle and High School Chinese students participating in the 18th
bi-annual music/english camps at UO
When: July 20-27 and July 23-30 *Possible additional dates TBD
Note: Host family provides transportation, breakfast & dinner on weekdays; 3
meals/day on the weekend and an occasional sack lunch. Students may share
a room but must have their own bed. Students have camp activities Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm, spending only
evenings and the weekend at home. Host families are strongly encouraged to take 2 students, and may host multiple
camp sessions.
Stipend*: $125/person for 7 nights or $250 for 2 people *Stipend covers expenses for meals, transportation, laundry
and all activities. Number of days may vary slightly due to
travel arrangements; stipend will be prorated accordingly.
Interfaith Prayer Service
Monday, May 11th 6:45-8 pm
First Christian Church- 1166 Oak Street
“Wisdom From Future Generations”
This month Interfaith Prayer Service will be lead by our
youth.
Please join us every month to celebrate the oneness in
our diversity through prayers, chants, readings from
sacred texts and many other forms that come from the
teachings and traditions of our participating presenters.
For more information visit: www.interfaithprayer.org
Volunteers 70 years of age and older needed
for “Exercise and Healthy Aging” project
These will be free classes for people who meet the
eligibility requirements. They will explore the health
benefits of stretching, Multimodal Exercise, and Tai
Ji Quan. Graduates from these classes can continue
classes here at First Christian Church.
Criterion to participate:
1) 70 years of age or older
2) have had a fall in the last 12 months
3) experience difficulty walking or balance
4) obtain a clearance from your healthcare provider to
participate
For questions, contact (541) 434-1548.
Research is funded by the National Institute on Aging.
Contact: LuAnn Langford
luannlangford@gpyinternational.org
Phone 541.517.5915 for additional details
www.gpyinternational.org
Homeless Wisdom Council
First Congregational Church Eugene Housing Initiative
1050 E 23rd Ave, Eugene, OR 97405
In May this council will be hosting a variety of events
to build awareness around homelessness and the need
for more shelter. On May 17, Pastor Dan presents. On
May 30, the event is at First Christian Church and
Pastor Dan and FCC member Erik De Buhr will both
present.
◊ Sunday, May 3rd, 9AM, Wheeler Room: Ken
Neubeck and Wayne Martin discuss Human Rights and
Homelessness.
◊ Sunday, May 10th, 9AM, Wheeler Room: Erik
deBuhr on class and privilege awareness.
◊ Thursday, May 14th, 6:00-7:30 PM in Peter Horn
Lounge: potluck and (tentative) discussion of zoning
and building codes as barriers to affordable housing.
◊ Sunday, May 17th, 9AM, Wheeler Room: Dan Bryant on Opportunity Village Eugene and his experience
of mobilizing his congregation and the public around
the issue of homelessness.
◊ Sunday, May 24th, 9AM, Wheeler Room: (tentative) reflection, prayer, inspiration and our spirit’s
response to the housing crisis.
◊ Saturday, May 30th, 6:00-9:00 PM, Sanctuary of
First Christian Church, “Hear Our Stories” video and
presentations by Opportunity Village, Community
Supported Shelters, and Nightingale Health Sanctuary.
Information tables staffed by allies of the homeless.
◊ Sunday, May 31, 9AM, Wheeler Room: introduction of Habitat House family, Pentecost special offering
for FCC Housing Initiative during worship, volunteer
checklist inserted into bulletin.
Regional FCC Events
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon
Community Awards and Celebration Dinner
Thursday, May 7, 2015
5 p.m. Reception/Silent Auction; 6:30 p.m. Dinner/
Awards
Portland Hilton, Pavilion, 921 SW Sixth Ave., Portland
The EMO annual celebration has become the premier
ecumenical event in Oregon, bringing together the
diverse communities of faith and community partners in
celebration of ecumenism and the spirit of hope across
Oregon.
Reservations are $100 per person; tables seating 10 are
$1,000. Make your reservation ASAP before May 5th!
Go to: emoregon.org
Pray and Play Day
Regional Disciples Women’s Retreat
Saturday, May 30th
Junction City; Cost: $15
Pray and Play Days are half day retreats
for women to deepen their connection
to Spirit and to their community of sisters. The theme
will be “Get a Clue” and we will be going on an adult
scavenger hunt!
Materials on website: www.oidisciples.org (Search for
Pray and Play days.)
Regional Youth Summer Camps
CAMP DATES:
Kids Camp (1-2 grades): June 12-14
Grade School (3-5 grades): August 10-14
High School and Middle School: July 26-31
Early registration deadline is June 30.
Final Deadline for Registering: July 1.
Applications are available in the office
and have been mailed to your home!
2015 General
Assembly
July 18-22
Columbus, Ohio
FCC Eugene is looking for delegates to attend.
Please speak with April or Dan. Go to
ga.disciples.org to see the schedule, workshop offerings
and register online. See you in Columbus!
FCC Events
Kids will be singing in both services on
Sunday, May 3. Don’t miss it!
Laser Tag!
Sunday, May 17, 6-8 p.m.
(pizza at 6 p.m.,
laser tag at 7 p.m.)
Putter’s on Highway 99
This event is for 5-7th graders and their friends.
The cost is $15 per FCC youth and $5 for friends.
Softball
Announcements
Come cheer on Team Heart of
Eugene. Games will be every
Wednesday starting the week of
May 18.
Practices will be Thursdays at 5:30
p.m. and continue through May 14.
A full schedule will be available after May 9.
FCC Night at the Eugene Emeralds
Friday, July 24, 2015
Game time: 7:05 p.m.
You must sign up by July 10.
$15/person gets you a box seat, a dinner, and a parking
pass to PK Park. Pay online or through offering plate.
Ask April about children’s price discounts and other
questions.
All Church Camp Out Date and Location:
September 4-6, Suttle Lake
Thank you for your feedback and for voting!
Registration materials will be coming in May. For more
info go to: gocamping.org/sites/suttle-lake-camp/
FCC Events
Regional Vision Gathering
at FCC Eugene
1166 Oak Street, Eugene
May 16, 12:30-4:30 p.m.
We are one of five locations in the Oregon-Idaho
Disciples region that are hosting Vision
Gatherings; a conversation about the
future direction of our regional
church.
Topics covered will be sent to
congregations in late April to have time to think
about the questions. All members are invited. All leaders
and board members of FCC are invited and encouraged
to participate.
JOIN A SUMMER PRAYER POD
Prayer pods are an opportunity to study and pray
together in small groups by reading a book. This
summer we will be reading Post Christian by Christian
Piatt. Sign up to participate in a prayer pod on Sunday
mornings or email the church office:
office@heartofeugene.org. You will be placed in a
group to help you build new relationships & prayer
partners.
Groups will be announced and a study guide will be
made available on Sunday, June 7.
This book can be purchased
online or through the church
office. E-book and Nook versions
are available too. Prayer pods will
begin meeting in late June, once
books have arrived.
Individuals who already
participated in a prayer pod are
encouraged to either 1) join a
second group, 2) temporarily
suspend your meetings through
summer, or 3) open your group to new members.
World Labyrinth Day
Saturday, May 2
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Join other FCC members and celebrate World Labyrinth
Day by exploring labyrinths in the area near Eugene.
This information is for your own personal touring and it
includes several private labyrinths that are not normally
available to see or walk during the rest of the year. Car
pooling is suggested if several of you want to go, as
there is sometimes limited parking at some of the sites.
First Christian Church Eugene
1166 Oak Street, Eugene
Grace Chapel
Sacred Heart Hospital at River Bend
3333 RiverBend Drive Springfield
Canvas (In the Chapel, 2nd floor)
Gary Kirk Garden Labyrinth
415 Brae Burn Drive Eugene
Palsbo Labyrinth
3130 Summit Sky Blvd. Eugene
Center for Spiritual Living/Eugene
390 Vernal Street Eugene
Westminster Presbyterian Church
777 Coburg Road Eugene
Saint Matthews Episcopal Church
4110 River Road Eugene
LaVelle Vineyards
89697 Sheffler Road Elmira
Sesquicentennial Planning Committee:
Celebrating FCC’s 150th Anniversary!
Wednesday, May 6, 9:00 a.m.
Mom’s Pies (behind the church, on Willamette St.)
The Sesquicentennial Committee invites all interested persons
to attend its next planning meeting. We have a great
committee. If you would like to join us, email Jo-Anne
Flanders: joanneflanders@yahoo.com or call (541) 485-2886.
26
-12:00 PM Helping Hands
-Room
-2:00 PM History Room
-Volunteers
25
Memorial Day
Office is Closed
-7:00 AM Early Bird Truth
-Seekers Group
31
1
8:45-12:30 D4$ Auction
-7:45 AM Breakfast for
-those in need
-9:00 AM Traditional Worship
-11:15 AM New
-Celebration Service
19
-12:00 PM Helping Hands
-Room
-2:00 PM History Room
-Volunteers
18
-7:00 AM Early Bird Truth
-Seekers Group
-4:30 PM Executive Meeting
-5:30 PM Admin Meeting
-5:30 PM Justice for the Poor
2
12
-12:00 PM Helping Hands
-Room
-2:00 PM History Room
-Volunteers
17
-7:45 AM Breakfast for
-those in need
-9:00 AM Traditional Worship
-10:15 AM Education Hour
-11:15 AM New
-Celebration Service
-6:00 PM Laser Tag for 5-7th Graders
24
Pentecost
-7:45 AM Breakfast for
-those in need
-10:30 AM Single Service
Tuesday
5
-10:00 AM Church Women
-Fellowship
-12:00 PM Helping Hands
-Room
-2:00 PM History Room
-Volunteers
28
11
-7:00 AM Early Bird Truth
-Seekers Group
-5:30 PM Elders Meeting
-6:45 PM Interfaith Prayer
Monday
10
Mother's Day
-7:45 AM Breakfast for
-those in need
-9:00 AM Traditional Worship
-10:15 AM Education Hour
-11:15 AM New
-Celebration Service
27
4
-7:00 AM Early Bird Truth
-Seekers Group
-5:30 PM Justice for the Poor
-5:30 PM Resource Meeting
Sunday
3
-7:45 AM Breakfast for
-those in need
-9:00 AM Traditional Worship
-10:15 AM Education Hour
-11:15 AM New
-Celebration Service
26
May 2015
Wednesday
3
27
Softball Game-Times TBA
-8:45 AM Free Yoga
-6:00 PM Bell Choir
-6:00 PM YIP Youth Choir
-7:30 PM Adult Choir
20
Softball Game-Times TBA
-8:45 AM Free Yoga
-9:00 AM Vision Builders
-6:00 PM Bell Choir
-6:00 PM YIP Youth Choir
-7:30 PM Adult Choir
6
-8:45 AM Free Yoga
-9:00 AM
-Sesquicentennial Planning
-Committee
-9:00 AM Vision Builders
-6:00 PM Bell Choir
-6:00 PM YIP Youth Choir
-7:30 PM Adult Choir
13
-8:45 AM Free Yoga
-6:00 PM Bell Choir
-6:00 PM YIP Youth Choir
-7:30 PM Adult Choir
29
Thursday
28
-7:30 AM Spiritual
-Formation Group
-12:00 PM Helping Hands
-Room
-2:00 PM Newsletter Mailing
-6:30 PM New Celebration
-Rehearsal
4
7
-7:30 AM Spiritual
-Formation Group
-12:00 PM Helping Hands
-Room
-5:30 PM Softball Practice
-- Washington Park
-6:30 PM New Celebration
-Rehearsal
14
-7:30 AM Spiritual
-Formation Group
-12:00 PM Helping Hands
-Room
-5:30 PM Softball Practice
-- Washington Park
-6:30 PM New Celebration
-Rehearsal
21
-7:30 AM Spiritual
-Formation Group
-12:00 PM Helping Hands
-Room
-6:30 PM New Celebration
-Rehearsal
30
Friday
5
29
22
-12:00 PM Newsletter
-Deadline for Submissions
15
8
1
6
30
23
16
-12:30 PM Regional Vision
-Gathering
9
Saturday
2
-10:00 AM Citizen's
-Climate Lobby
-1:00 PM World Labyrinth Day
New Titles in the Library
Here are several more great reading possibilities that are currently on the New Book Shelf in the FCC Library.
The Language of God: a scientist presents evidence for belief by Francis S. Collins. (215 C713la)
The author, a pioneering medical geneticist, works at the cutting edge of DNA study. Yet he is also a man
of unshakable faith in God and scripture. In this book he makes his case for God and for science. A New
York Times bestseller, it is important reading for anyone who wonders about the deepest
questions of faith—Why are we here? How did we get here? What does life mean? This book,
published in 2006, has been criticized by fundamentalists and progressives alike. This can only mean that
if one reads it with an open and inquiring mind, he or she will find much to challenge and inspire.
Forty-Sixty: a study for mid-life adults who want to make a difference by Richard H. Gentzler and Craig
Kennet Miller. (259.3 G339fo) This book identifies major issues that many people face as they move into
midlife. The authors want you to know that you are not alone in your journey—God is with you at every
stage of your life. Designed to be used individually or in a small group, the book identifies 10 significant
issues faced by people in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. Each chapter explores an issue and includes a Bible
study guide.
Holy Fang: a vampire love story by Charleynne Gates. (F G259ho) A new novel by our own Charleynne
Gates. The title says it all!
--Alice Allen, for Library Volunteers
Do You Know Your Church History?*
The Significance of May?
May 23, 1892, our Articles of Incorporation were filed with the State of Oregon.
May 19, 1912, James Blood was ordained at First Christian Church; he donated
his college savings tuition to fund the steamship “Oregon,” which served on the
Congo River for many years.
May 25, 1947, the church service flag was retired.
May 24, 1964, we dedicated Eugene’s first church elevator.
May 30, 2010, the Sunday Breakfast for the needy was established.
*There will be a hard test in 2016...
Breakfast Leadership Transition
Lisa Landers has graciously accepted the responsibility for leading the breakfast and is well into learning the job. I and
many loyal volunteers began this ministry of feeding our hungry neighbors on Sunday mornings in 2010. I am stepping aside to become just a volunteer as needed due to advancing age. So issues relating to the breakfast, donations,
volunteering, and so forth can now be addressed to Lisa.
I wish to express profound thanks to all who have helped in so many ways: volunteering time, donations of goods and
money (we have to purchase a good deal of the food used) and support in many ways. The church staff has been a midwife in the birthing and nurture of the breakfast and also deserves recognition.
Now is the time for all those who have loyally helped to give full support to Lisa as she tackles this demanding job.
Thank you to all for your support and friendship through these years. It will take all of us working together to continue
the success of Sunday Breakfast.
--Phyllis Weare
From Power and Light Committee
A Bit of P&L History:
Many years ago some of us at First Christian began to have concern about the future of the planet Earth in the
light of predictions of climate change, rising levels of pollution and species extinction. We formed a group
called “Living in Harmony” (People in Harmony with the earth and “all that is therein”). In time we joined
with the Oregon Interfaith Network of Earth Concerns and with them became known as the Power and Light
Committee. We tackled some energy saving and other earth friendly problems and studied.
After some investigation we concluded that the problem driving all the other problems was too much
human population. But at the time we didn’t see how we could solve that huge problem. Even the beginning
nationwide“green group” told me “Ah, overpopulation’s the problem, but we don’t know what to do about
it.” Back then we all thought it was all those poor people having too many kids.
We now realize there are at least two big things we CAN do about the perceived overpopulation threat:
1) Recognize that middle class consumerism is just as dangerous as what poor folk might do. Think about it: If everyone on the earth used energy and materials the way the average American does,
we’d need FOUR Earths in order to provide it all. Clearly impossible. But that is the reason we need to simplify our lives and cut way down on our consumption habits.
2) There do exist several proven ways to decrease population growth:
a) Provide equality in human rights for all women, access to wealth, land, education health care and employment
b) Support Planned Parenthood’s work in sex education, counseling, contraception. Young people looking for help should not just be put on a waiting list.
c) Encourage young families to limit family to two children.
d) Delay marriage age to allow education to advance career development for gainful
employment.
e) Men can be educated and encouraged to maintain responsibility for their families. Over incarceration of black males means they can’t meet their family’s needs. Teach men to respect all women the way they would like their mothers and sisters to be respected.
Clearly, there are plenty of options to engage in from Eugene to the ends of the Earth. How will we at First
Christian help avoid further over population? Will we choose to preserve a livable planet for our
grandchildren’s children? Participate in P&L committee to help plan some kind of participation.
--Power and Light
Committee
Be fruitful and multiply...
Now divide.
Reflections from the General Minister & President
Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins
Regarding 2017 General Assembly
April 13, 2015
Dear Disciples,
The General Board has determined that the 2017 General Assembly should take place in
Indianapolis “as a continued witness for wholeness”.
Two weeks ago, the board authorized a move away from Indianapolis due to a new Indiana
law called The Religious Freedom Restoration Act (SEA101 or RFRA). This law raised concern that some of our
members and friends might not be welcome in Indiana businesses.
Following a groundswell of opposition to the bill – including our own action to move our assembly – the concerns
raised by the General Board have been addressed. SEA101 has now been amended so that it cannot be used to open a
new door to discrimination. There is a newly invigorated statewide understanding that Indiana needs improved laws
and ordinances protecting all people from discrimination. Disciples will be part of that movement – a clear voice of
faith.
The events around the Indiana RFRA have left some feeling bewildered and even hurt. The first stand was a bold move
against discrimination in the guise of religious freedom. There is concern that the second decision undermines that bold
stand. Locating our assembly in Indianapolis, now that our concerns have been addressed, positions us more strongly
as a moral voice in the movement for equal protection under the law for all.
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) will continue to advocate for wholeness and dignity for all people. We are a
church of an open table where all are welcome in Christ’s name.
Indianapolis is now a more welcoming place for all our assembly-goers than it was when we originally decided on
Indianapolis for our 2017 site.
My prayer is that through our presence and action, our church and our communities will be stronger representatives of
God’s love for all people. May the power of the risen Christ be in us all for life and love in Jesus’ name.
Sharon Watkins
General Minister and President
FCC March 2015 Giving to Outreach Funds
Global Outreach March
Child Sponsorship $
Week of Compassion $
Global Min. for WEMA$
Sunday Breakfast
$
Care & Share
$
Good Samaritan
$
Helping Hand Room $
Christian Women’s $
Fellowship
0
1,510
1,000
1,095
1,023
500
310
124
2015 YTD
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
60
2,935
1,400
4,648
1,073
875
700
379 FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH
(DISCIPLES OF CHRIST)
1166 OAK STREET
EUGENE, OR 97401
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Nonprofit
Organization
US Postage
PAID
EUGENE •
OREGON
Permit No. 431
DATE SENSITIVE MATERIAL
Important Dates:
May 2: World Labyrinth Day
May 6: Planning Meeting for Sesquicentennial
May 11: Interfaith Prayer Service
May 16: Regional Vision Gathering
May 17: Laser Tag for 5-7th Graders
May 24: Pentecost/One Combined Service at 10:30 a.m.
May 30: Pray and Play Day in Junction City
May 30: Homeless Wisdom Council at FCC
June 22-26: Peace Village (VBS)
July 5: Church in the Park
July 24: Night at the Ems
Church Staff
The Rev. Dr. Daniel E. H. Bryant, Senior Minister
The Rev. April Oristano, Associate Pastor
Patty Weller, Director of Administration
Danette Lamson, Administrative Assistant/Nursery Supervisor
Ariel Howe, Administrative Assistant
Nancy Anderson, Director of Music, Children’s Choir
Dr. John Jantzi, Organist/Bell Choir Director
Roger Evers, Custodial Manager
Larry Wahlstrom, Maintenance/Event Manager
David Frisinger, Maintenance/Event Attendant
Jennifer Harris, Wedding Hostess
Betty Jo Johnson, Elder Emerita
The First Christian Church Newsletter is published by First
Christian Church of Eugene for its members and friends.
April Oristano, Editor; Ariel Howe, Desktop Publisher.
Phone: 541-344-1425 Fax: 541-338-8616
E-mail: office@heartofeugene.org
Website: heartofeugene.org
Mission Statement
We believe in the love of God for all people.
We gather as a worshipping community of faith
to follow Jesus Christ.
We delight together in what God
is doing through us to bring:
healing within brokenness;
unity within diversity;
joy within grief;
and power within weakness.
Our mission is to strengthen
relationships we have with God,
with each other, with our families,
and with our world.
We are an Open and Affirming Congregation
and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities
are welcome in the full life and ministry of our church.
We are a Global Ministries church.
We are a Green Chalice Congregation.