Join us March 5 for Sunday Service at 10:00 a.m. • 9:00a.m.-AdultSundaySchool• 10:00a.m.-Service(w/SundaySchool)• 5:30p.m.-Group4attheDoerksens’• 5:30p.m.-StoneSoupSupper(prepat3:30)

Called to ServeElders:DonZobel,PrillZobelHome Communion:SusanLathamPreparing Deacons:RickOlsen,MonaGerigServing Deacons:*DonnaMason,LeeMason,SylviaBaarstad,KathyCrawford

Coffee Cart and Snack:naFlowers:naGreeter: KarenGriswoldSunday Worship Accessibility Hearingassistancedevices,largeprintbulletinsandhymnalsareavailable.Sermons Online http://heartofcorvallis.org/recent-sermons/

Stone Soup Meal Count Tuesday,2/21-143Saturday,2/25-107Sunday,2/26-132

StaffRev.MattGordon..................... SeniorMinisterMatthewClark............................ChoirDirectorEricQian............................................... PianistCharleneLincoln....................ChurchSecretaryJillShinkawa...........CommunicationsManagerKevinWeaver....................................... PaladinLucasTeeter..DisciplesHouseResidentAdvisorChristaSchmeder.....DirectorofYouthMinistry

February28,2017vol.18,issue08

This Week, Ash Wednesday Meal and ServiceJoin us for Ash Wednesday on Wednesday, March 1. Din-ner 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 intro-spection, prayer, and contemplative practice.

Top left: A wonderful violin solo intro-duction 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.

Moments from the Past Sunday…

Matt’s MomentRecently, I was looking for Margaret At-wood’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 dysto-pian 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 uto-pia which is an imagined future society

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...

from the prophets, particularly Isaiah and Jeremiah. The prophetic tradi-tion 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 imagi-nation 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 pres-ent and our future. Lent is a season of intentional reflection, prayer and dis-cernment. It affords us an opportunity to think critically about who we are as individuals and who we are as a com-munity. Below is a schedule of events for the coming season. I look forward to seeing you there! Peace, Pastor MattThis Wednesday, March 1 • 5:30 Pancake Dinner• 6:30 Ash Wednesday service- Ash

Wednesday draws on an ancient tra-dition 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 contrib-ute 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:

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 sec-ond 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 EggersSunday, 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 Je-sus encountered was the inclusiveness of his message. For centuries, the He-brews were the chosen people of God, Jesus did not abolish their connection with God, but challenged their exclu-sive claim of God. How do we em-brace 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 suffer-ing? How do we embrace pain and suf-fering 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: Mat-

thew 27:11-54. Book focus: The Giver by Lois Lowry.Thursday, April 13- Maundy Thurs-day, Seder Meal at 6:00 p.m. We will share a meal that connects us to our Hebrew story through a tradi-tion 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 crucifix-ion of Christ on this Holy Friday.Sunday, April 16- “Easter” Join us for our day of Easter Celebra-tion.• 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 an-thems from the choir and a message of resurrection and hope.

Matt’s Minute (Continued from page 1)

Rev. Matt Gordon Senior MinisterChurchphone:541-753.2671Email:matt@heartofcorvallis.org

Open Office Hours: Mondays:9:00a.m.-1:00p.m.Tuesdays:1:00p.m.--4:00p.m.

In Our PrayersMargaret Coon is in a rehab facil-ity in AlbanyMary Stuart hurt her arm Continued prayers for Jim Stin-son’s chronic back pain. Bill Smart’s brother, Jim Carol Bailey’s back problemsCherie is doing great! Continued prayers for the Reynolds.For all people affected by immigration laws Roger Weaver and his familyLynnie Evans and familyJoyce Miller For our country and leaders

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 neigh-bor 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 VickiWe read the story of The Good Samari-tan 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 recre-ated the story with Legos.

3rd - 5th Grade, with Leah We had a great time! We talked about

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 MirandaThe 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 work-ing, they started to brainstorm ways they could help teach the younger classrooms about The Good Samaritan. They also found their way to a con-versation about individual happiness in the reality of the jobs that require repetitive, labor intensive tasks.

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 informa-tion and register for the event at http://wp.me/P6DjFC-5K

Kudos to Marcene!

Volunteer Interfaith Caregivers presented Marcene Stuart with the volunteer of the year award! Marcene is a blessing to all of us.

Opportunity to Evaluate Pastor MattThe pastor/parish committee is helping to facilitate, at the request of Pas-tor 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 par-

ticipate in the process, there is a short questionnaire available at the church office or a copy can be emailed 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.

What’s Happening…Due Knots Meet Twice in MarchDue 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 MarchOn 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 541 753-5268) Anyone who would like to get to know us is welcome to join Group 4.

Adult Education Class: Life’s Fourth QuarterOn 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 won-derful 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 (541-753-8309 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 SpringsLooking 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, 2017. Put this date on your calendar in red! To register, contact Linda Stinson.

Around Town… International Women’s Day EventIn 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 touch-ing 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. www.friendshipwithcambodia.org 541-952-9002

Interfaith Potluck DinnerYou 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, 541-757-8122

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, 541-753-2528, kathyfarnsworth@comcast.net

Looking AheadMarch 1 - AshWednesday• 5:30pm-Meal• 6:30pm-ServiceofAshesMarch 3 • 10:00am-DueKnotsmeetMarch 5 • 5:30pm-Group4attheDoerksens’March 12 • DaylightSavingTimeStarts-ahead1hr.• AfterService-Life’sFourthQuarterMarch 13• 7:00pm-FinanceCabinetMarch 14• 1:00pm-Women’sLunchatEvergreenMarch 20• 7:00pm-ProgramCabinetMarch 24• 10:00am-DueKnotsmeetMarch 26• AfterService-Life’sFourthQuarterApril 9 - PalmSunday• 5:30pm-Group4attheSmarts’April 10• 7:00pm-FinanceCabinetApril 13• MaundyThursdayApril 14• 7:00pm-EcumenicalGoodFridayServiceatFCC

April 16 - Easter Sunday!• 8:00am-“Sunrise”FolkService• 8:30-9:30am-EasterBreakfast• 10:00am-EasterWorshipApril 17• 7:00pm-ProgramCabinetApril 20• 7:00pm-WomenmeetattheGriswolds’May 7• 5:30pm-Group4attheGriswolds’May 8• 7:00pm-FinanceCabinetMay 13• 2:00pm-Mother’sDayTeaParty

Happy Birthday!3/2- PeggyHall3/3- DavidAmity3/5- DawnLasater3/7- KathyCrawford

269 am-BibleStudy10 am-FolkWor-ship,noSundaySchoolAfter Service-AdultEducation5:30 pm-StoneSoupSupper

27 285:30 pm-StoneSoupSupper(3:30pmprep)

1 March-Lent Begins10 am-BibleStudyAsh Wednesday5:30 pm-Meal6:30 pm-Service7 pm-Choirpractice

2 310 am-DueKnotsmeet

410 am-StoneSoupBreakfast

59 am-BibleStudy10 am-Worship,w/SundaySchool5:30 pm-Group4attheDoerksens’5:30 pm-StoneSoupSupper

6 73:30 pm-FCCturntoprep/serveStoneSoup5:30 pm-StoneSoupSupper(3:30pmprep)

810 am-BibleStudy7 pm-Choirpractice

9 10 1110 am-StoneSoupBreakfast

12Daylight Saving Time-ahead1hr.9 am-BibleStudy10 am-Worship,w/SundaySchoolAfter Service-AdultEducation5:30 pm-StoneSoupSupper

137 pm-FinanceCabinet

141 pm-Women’sLunchatEvergreen5:30 pm-StoneSoupSupper(3:30pmprep)

1510 am-BibleStudy7 pm-Choirpractice

16 17 1810 am-StoneSoupBreakfast

199 am-BibleStudy10 am-Worship,w/SundaySchool5:30 pm-StoneSoupSupper

207 pm-ProgramCabinet

215:30 pm-StoneSoupSupper(3:30pmprep)

2210 am-BibleStudy7 pm-Choirpractice

23 2410 am-DueKnotsmeet

2510 am-StoneSoupBreakfast

269 am-BibleStudy10 am-FolkWor-ship,noSundaySchoolAfter Service-AdultEducation5:30 pm-StoneSoupSupper

27 285:30 pm-StoneSoupSupper(3:30pmprep)

2910 am-BibleStudy7 pm-Choirpractice

30 31 1 April10 am-StoneSoupBreakfast

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

February/March/April

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Our VisionThe 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.