the Messenger


The Messenger, December 21, 2010
December 21, 2010, 9:16 pm
Filed under: Uncategorized

Thursday, December 24th

Worship Services

4 PM Children & Families (with candlelight)

7 PM & 10 PM Candlelight Services

Epiphany Sunday, January 2, 2011!!

9 AM All-Comers Choir

10 to 10 AM Singing and Worship

11:15 AM Epiphany Party!!!!

Concerts At First

Saturday, January 15, 2011 at 10:00 AM

Introduction to the King of Instruments

Brought to us by members of the Eugene Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. A fun introduction to the organ for all ages!

Sunday, January 16,  2011 at 4:00 PM

Musica Maestrale

Bryce Peltier, recorder & sackbut

Hideki Yamaya, lute

Joanna Blendulf, cello

Aaron Cain, baritone

Julia Brown, harpsichord & organ

(suggested donation $10)

Coming January 9th!!!!!

Experiencing the Heart of Christianity

12 Sessions-Sundays 3:00 to 5:00 PM

By Marcus Borg and Tim Scorer

Facilitated by John and Debbie Pitney

This is a 12 session series based on Marcus Borg’s book,  “The Heart of Christianity”.  It is a group experience where we can dig deeper and discover more together than we can alone.

Many of us were raised in an “early” Christianity grounded in a set of beliefs, a literal approach to the Bible and a call to personal morality.  This tradition gets most attention in public discourse, making it hard for many of us to claim our faith.  There is another way.  It is an “emerging” Christianity grounded in our response to God in the present, an approach to the Bible which is beyond literal and a call to be transformed and bring God’s kingdom of justice and   compassion to reality.

Whether or not you have already read the book, if you want to engage with others to discover this emerging faith and what it calls us to in this time, this course is for you.  Contact the office to sign up.

Understanding Islam

What is it like to be a Muslim in 2010 America?

Adult Transformations At FUMC

January 9, 16, 23 & 30

Mosque-bombings, threatened Qur’an burnings and growing suspicion of Islam and hatred of our Muslim neighbors cloud the Advent of peace, compassion and hope.  In such a time,  what could be more important than Christians taking time and creating safe spaces to better understand Islam? What could be more essential than     learning the importance of the Qur’an and what it’s like for Muslims living in the United States, in Eugene today, especially after 9-11?  Some of us don’t really do classes on Sunday mornings, but this is more than just a class.  This  discussion is for the future of the world God loves.

Starting with the Symposium on January 9, a diverse group of Muslim people from our community will be our guests every Sunday of the month.  We ask that every single person in our congregation prayerfully consider making a commitment to be present.  It is this important!  Let’s fill the room and show the neighbors in our sister faith that we care and we stand with them!

January 9 Symposium: “Islam 101”

Guest:  Imam Khalid Alfallatah of the Eugene Mosque

January 16: “The Importance of Qur’an”

Guests:  Ibrahim Hamide of Cafe Soriah, Rick Colby, University of Oregon

January 23: “Being A Woman and Being Muslim”

Guests: Women’s panel possibly including Nargus Oskui, Susan Norris and others of Muslim faith community

January 30: “What It’s Like To Be A U.S. Muslim Since 9-11”

Guests: Ib Hamide and Friends

 

Attention Riparian Redeemers!!

We’re meeting with the students from the Wesley Center for a big work party in our adopted wetland site in the Bertelson Nature Preserve. We need a lot of planters as we’ll be putting native plants back in to the landscape! Save the date: Saturday, January 15th, 10:00 to noon. More details to follow. Contact Patty Hine with your questions, 541-343-5091.

RECYCLE

Sunday, January 9, is time to recycle block styrofoam and plastic that can’t be put at the curbside.  NO meat trays please.  We are unable to take soft foam.  Only the CLEAN hard block type.

Energy tip….

If you are going away for the holidays or traveling to Glendale, AZ in January, make sure you shut off your electric hot water heater at the breaker.  It will reduce your CO2 emissions and save you money. Just remember to turn it on as soon as you return home.

The symposium on Sunday, Dec. 5 was well  attended as guest speaker, Bob Welch shared insights and responses to his column, “How Do You Want To Die?”  Bob Granger also shared and left us with these questions to consider:  What changes can I make in my life in order to become more of the person that deep down I long to see my self becoming? How are the influences of family, friends or culture    making it easer for me to be that person, or more difficult? What fears might be getting in the way? What other things might be   making it more difficult?

A heartfelt “thank you” to  our congregation for its MANY  contributions both large and small that made our 2010 Interfaith Shelter practically run itself.  You made reminder calls, were evening hosts, drove vans, prepared delicious home-cooked meals, did dishes, played with kids, prepared craft activities and games, talked with families, made doctor visits, donated money, pitched in when others got sick, helped with composting, and willingly dispensed a welcome, caring, and truly giving spirit to  our guest families, many of whom are going through hard times this Christmas season.  I know they felt your spirit.  What a warm and fuzzy feeling that gives us, and I hope all of you.  Blessings to you all with our grateful thanks, Lisa Young and Karen Ziros-Smith.

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