Faith Notes
Faith Notes are the monthly news and events from First Presbyterian.
News From The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA
Church Wide Letter
Our demonination's new website!
Faith Notes 
To be able to read Faith Notes you'll need Adobe Reader on your computer. Click the box on the right for a free and quick download.
Everyone is invited! . . . More
November Session Highlights More . . .
While a group of 20 from our church were there three weeks ago, the Guatemalan Habitat staff gave a cultural performance for us. We saw traditional dances and costumes, but the most touching for me was a re-enactment of the Christmas story. A young woman and man – not much older than Mary and Joseph would have been– slowly walked around a room, reminding us of the journey to Bethlehem. They knelt down with the baby between them and stayed there in quiet reverence for several minutes. More . . .
The poet Ann Weems said, “The Christmas Spirit is that hope which tenaciously clings to the hearts of the faithful and announces in the face of any Herod the world can produce, and all the Inn doors slammed in our faces, and all the dark nights of our souls…that with God all things still are possible, that even now unto us a child is born!” More . . .
Christmas can (still) change our lives and change the world.
The story of Christ’s birth is a story of promise, hope and revolutionary love. So, what happened? What was once a time to celebrate the birth of a savior has somehow turned into a season of stress, shopping lists, holiday parties and frenzy.
And when it’s all over, many of us are left with presents to return, looming debt that till take months to pay off and this empty feeling of missed purpose. Is this what we really want out of Christmas?
What if Christmas became a life-changing event again? What if we transformed rampant consumerism into compassion? What if we gave less presents and more presence? More . . .
The story of Christ’s birth is a story of promise, hope and revolutionary love. So, what happened? What was once a time to celebrate the birth of a savior has somehow turned into a season of stress, shopping lists, holiday parties and frenzy.
And when it’s all over, many of us are left with presents to return, looming debt that till take months to pay off and this empty feeling of missed purpose. Is this what we really want out of Christmas?
What if Christmas became a life-changing event again? What if we transformed rampant consumerism into compassion? What if we gave less presents and more presence? More . . .
This Sunday is Commitment Sunday where we celebrate the story we are living at FPC. We will also embrace the spiritual courage to live into the story God is calling us towards in the year to come.
Six years ago, the Session (the Session is the leadership team the congregation elects for those not yet familiar with Presbyspeak) set a goal to become a 50/50 church. The intention of this goal is to have as much of our resources going out towards others beyond our walls as there are resources directed to meeting our own needs. More . . .
Six years ago, the Session (the Session is the leadership team the congregation elects for those not yet familiar with Presbyspeak) set a goal to become a 50/50 church. The intention of this goal is to have as much of our resources going out towards others beyond our walls as there are resources directed to meeting our own needs. More . . .
Australian poet Michael Leuing writes, “There are only two feelings, two languages, two paths, two results: love and fear.”
When the very air we breathe these days is saturated by fear, how do we cultivate the spiritual courage to live from a place of love and abundance instead of living from a place of fear and scarcity? The greatest battles in life are fought daily in the silent chambers of the soul. Will we feed our fear or cultivate the spiritual courage to love? More . . .
When the very air we breathe these days is saturated by fear, how do we cultivate the spiritual courage to live from a place of love and abundance instead of living from a place of fear and scarcity? The greatest battles in life are fought daily in the silent chambers of the soul. Will we feed our fear or cultivate the spiritual courage to love? More . . .
Sooner or later, it happens to each of us, Father Richard Rohr says. “There always will be at least one situation in our lives that we cannot fix, control, explain, change or even understand,” the Franciscan priest said. Any life-changing moment can knock a person down. But it can also open doors if, as Rohr puts it, a person learns how to “fall upward.” More . . .
Guat’s Up?
Two of the days on our June 2011 trip to San Lucas de Tolimán were spent with the ¨Dpoorest of the poor,¡¬ those earning between one to two dollars a day. You could have fooled me. Yes, their house was made of mismatched boards cut from trees on nearby hills, the roof was corrugated tin. The dirt of the chicken yard matched that of the floor inside the four-wall, one room house, and the ¨Dfacilities¡¬ were a shed in the corner of the lot, the door a torn piece of black plastic. María cooked under an overhang of the roof and over a fire of sticks and logs, cut and gathered each day from the hillside that rose 2000 feet above us. Her husband was somewhere on that hillside the day we visited, cutting and carrying wood down the steep terrain for their day’s meals. More . . .
Two of the days on our June 2011 trip to San Lucas de Tolimán were spent with the ¨Dpoorest of the poor,¡¬ those earning between one to two dollars a day. You could have fooled me. Yes, their house was made of mismatched boards cut from trees on nearby hills, the roof was corrugated tin. The dirt of the chicken yard matched that of the floor inside the four-wall, one room house, and the ¨Dfacilities¡¬ were a shed in the corner of the lot, the door a torn piece of black plastic. María cooked under an overhang of the roof and over a fire of sticks and logs, cut and gathered each day from the hillside that rose 2000 feet above us. Her husband was somewhere on that hillside the day we visited, cutting and carrying wood down the steep terrain for their day’s meals. More . . .
RALLY DAY!
Sunday, September 11
One morning worship service at 10:00 a.m. followed by our annual BBQ and celebration. Potluck desserts—bring your favorite! Invite your friends and neighbors!
And at the 5:01
Interfaith Service on the 10th Anniversary of 9/11.
September 11, 5:01 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church. A service of Remembrance, Reflection and Renewal. Join with worshipers from many other churches in Central Oregon for this very special service of worship. Coffee/tea in the Commons after.
Sunday, September 11
One morning worship service at 10:00 a.m. followed by our annual BBQ and celebration. Potluck desserts—bring your favorite! Invite your friends and neighbors!
And at the 5:01
Interfaith Service on the 10th Anniversary of 9/11.
September 11, 5:01 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church. A service of Remembrance, Reflection and Renewal. Join with worshipers from many other churches in Central Oregon for this very special service of worship. Coffee/tea in the Commons after.
Where did the summer go? Labor Day weekend always feels to me like a transition into a new season. School is starting. Football season is starting. And, we are ready to kick off a new church year of ministry and mission on RALLY DAY, Sunday, September 11. There will be ONE worship service Sunday, September 11 at 10am. Our worship celebration will be followed by a BBQ. The pastors will be cooking for you as our way of thanking each one of you for making First Presbyterian the special place it is. We have plans to accommodate overflow and make sure the sanctuary is not too crowded and every one
comfortable. Please don’t miss this opportunity for us to celebrate together kicking off the new church year. More . . .
comfortable. Please don’t miss this opportunity for us to celebrate together kicking off the new church year. More . . .
“Do It Anyway”
The verses below are written on the wall of Mother Teresa’s home for children in Calcutta India, and many believe are attributed to Mother Teresa herself.
Some sources say that the words below were written on the wall in Mother Teresa’s own room so they would be the first thing she sees when she gets up in the morning. Whether this is true or not, “Do It Anyway” expresses the spirit in which she lived her life.
For some reason, these words have spoken to me lately and I want to share them with you. More . . .
The verses below are written on the wall of Mother Teresa’s home for children in Calcutta India, and many believe are attributed to Mother Teresa herself.
Some sources say that the words below were written on the wall in Mother Teresa’s own room so they would be the first thing she sees when she gets up in the morning. Whether this is true or not, “Do It Anyway” expresses the spirit in which she lived her life.
For some reason, these words have spoken to me lately and I want to share them with you. More . . .
I was walking the river trail this past week. It was one of those picture perfect Central Oregon days. I sat on a rock beside the river and just listened as the water rushed by me. I realized in that moment how easy it is for me, even in beautiful Central Oregon to get lost in my day-to-day "busy" ness and become detached from the beauty and wonder of all that is around me. I sat on this rock beside the river overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude for the magnificence and sheer beauty of the gift of creation.
I was startled to notice nearby that some people had enjoyed their fast-food lunch More . . .
I was startled to notice nearby that some people had enjoyed their fast-food lunch More . . .
Questions! My guess many of us have more questions than we do answers. We embrace a robust faith in this place that resists easy answers and welcomes hard questions believing faith and doubt are not polar opposites but intimate partners in the dance of faith. More . . .
The 17th century poet John Dryden said, ¨We first make our habits and then our habits make us." What are the habits in your life that are life draining? What new habits might you cultivate that would be life-giving, restoring your energy and bringing you joy?
God must have known that to sustain our spiritual journeys we would need to set aside time for renewal. It’s called ¨Sabbath time." Sabbath time is not a suggestion but so important that it is one of the commandments . . . ¨Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy." Meister Eckhart said the spiritual journey is one of subtraction, not addition. We need to say NO to certain things in our life long enough to look for and listen for the larger YES that God has placed deep in our souls. More . . .
God must have known that to sustain our spiritual journeys we would need to set aside time for renewal. It’s called ¨Sabbath time." Sabbath time is not a suggestion but so important that it is one of the commandments . . . ¨Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy." Meister Eckhart said the spiritual journey is one of subtraction, not addition. We need to say NO to certain things in our life long enough to look for and listen for the larger YES that God has placed deep in our souls. More . . .
First and foremost, I want to thank everyone so much for the prayers, cards, meals and support I have received as I have struggled to recover from pneumonia. Receiving the gift of your love and care has been healing balm for my mind, body and spirit.
The sun is finally shining. The summer months are set to welcome us. I want to encourage you to make worship a priority in your summer activities. More . . .
The sun is finally shining. The summer months are set to welcome us. I want to encourage you to make worship a priority in your summer activities. More . . .
The city of Bend is known for its independent spirit and our church is no exception. In our core values, we claim to embody the ¨Dpioneering spirit of Central Oregon¡¬ and we do in many ways. However, it is good to remember that we are also connected to the larger community of our denomination, the Presbyterian Church (USA) and that what happens to that body of people, affects us as well because we are a part of the body of Christ in its specific manifestation as the PCUSA. More . . .
The Bible tells us that on the 6th day of creation, God surveyed the earth. God examined the heavens, the oceans, the mountains, the forests, the streams, the high desert, the rolling plains.
God laughed at the centipede, the tumbleweed, the scampering puppy and at the human being’s little toe.
God rejoiced in the apple blossom, the tadpole, the glacier and the glorious configuration of wrinkles and neurons that comprise the human brain.
God saw all that God had created and saw that it was, “Tov Ma-ov,” Hebrew words we have feebly translated as “very good.” A more accurate translation is to say that God looked upon creation and exclaimed, “Wow!” God was overcome by the sacredness and wonder of creation and saw creation as something to be loved, appreciated, cherished and celebrated. More . . .
God laughed at the centipede, the tumbleweed, the scampering puppy and at the human being’s little toe.
God rejoiced in the apple blossom, the tadpole, the glacier and the glorious configuration of wrinkles and neurons that comprise the human brain.
God saw all that God had created and saw that it was, “Tov Ma-ov,” Hebrew words we have feebly translated as “very good.” A more accurate translation is to say that God looked upon creation and exclaimed, “Wow!” God was overcome by the sacredness and wonder of creation and saw creation as something to be loved, appreciated, cherished and celebrated. More . . .
As we prepare to celebrate Easter, we know to remember the Easter story isn’t over. The Easter story continues and continues to be told through our lives.
We make the mistake of thinking Easter is one day that as soon as Monday comes it can be tucked away until next year. My guess is that Hallmark will be already featuring Mother’s Day cards by Sunday afternoon with Easter a distant memory. It is often said that the worst thing we do to a great leader or experience is to reduce them to a holiday that we celebrate once a year and then move on with our lives, business as usual . . . nothing’s changed. More . . .
Holy Week . . . . (more)
“There is nothing! There is nothing! Where is God? What is God? This was the anguished cry of one man trying to take in the devastation of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. His cry is the quintessential human cry. His question, “Where is God?” is THE question that human beings have asked from the beginning of time, in times of tragedy and suffering and loss. More . . .
Last Sunday, March 6, the congregation officially called Jenny Warner to be one of our pastors. It was a joyful celebration. It was such a pleasure to welcome Jenny’s husband, Christ and her two daughters, Audra and Emmy to our community.
Jenny will be examined by the Presbytery of the Cascades Saturday, morning, March 12. Please hold her in your prayers. This is Jenny’s first call and she will be ordained into this position. Her ordination service will be Saturday, March 26 at Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church in Concord, California. More . . .
It’s curious that Jesus’ opening line was “repent” (Matthew 4.17 and Mark 1.15). the word we translate as “repent” is metanoia which is a Greek word that means “to turn around.” Although it literally means to “go beyond the mind.” This universal challenge and call of Jesus to turn around and begin again jumpstarts the Gospel story and our faith journey. More . . .
The Associate Pastor Nominating Committee is pleased to announce that they have selected Jennifer (Jenny) Warner as the candidate for our new Associate Pastor. Jenny comes from Walnut Creek, California and is more . . .
I am frequently asked, "What are you reading?" So, here’s what I read in 2010: More . . .
January 5, 2011
What is the one resolution that perhaps can make the biggest difference for 2011? What if we resolve to be more loving in 2011? What does that look like? The Apostle Paul suggested it looks something like this: more . . .
December 22, 2010
December 8, 2010
Christmas Eve . . . read more
November 17, 2010
This is the week we recall the summer of 1620 when 125 eager, Christian folk set out from Southampton, England, hoping to come to the new world and establish a faith community. They were on two leased ships, the Mayflower and the Speedwell. But as they made their journey around the southern tip of England, the Speedwell developed problems so they both had to pull in to Plymouth. There it was determined that the Speedwell was not able to cross the Atlantic. So 20 of the original group gave up and went back home. 105 crowded onto the Mayflower and set out well behind schedule hoping to get to the colony of Virginia in time enough to build some shelter before the winter came. More . . .
November 3, 2010
Some years ago, Marshall Field’s mother (of the famous department store Marshall Fields) gave one million dollars to the University of Chicago. When the Board of Trustees at Northwestern University heard about her generous gift, they wondered why a similar gift hadn’t been made to Northwestern. A representative was sent to investigate. Mrs. Field’s answer was simple, candid and straight to the point. She said, ¯Northwestern never asked me.
Well, I have become significantly more bold since putting on the Batman costume last Sunday. So let me never be accused of making the Northwestern mistake. More . . .
October 20, 2010
It is stewardship season. What is stewardship? A steward is a caretaker. A steward is someone entrusted to care for something valuable.
We are stewards of God’s dreams. God’s hopes, God’s purposes of redeeming the world with love.
We are the stewards of our one, wild and precious life, as poet Mary Oliver puts it, that we have been gifted. We are the stewards of the holy calling that God has placed within the life of this community of faith to not just make a difference but to make a different world . . . transforming people’s lives and transforming the world with God’s unconditional love. More . . .
October 6, 2010
The Dalai Lama once said, ¯Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, the heart of humanity cannot survive. Without them, your heart cannot survive.
Every day we never question the need to eat or sleep. They are necessary for our survival, our health, our well-being. What if we approached paying attention to expressing love and compassion in the same way? What if we viewed daily doses of love and compassion not as luxuries but as necessities for our soul health and for the health of humanity? More . . .
September 22, 2010
Great News! The official opening day for Common Table is Thursday, September 30. It
is hard to believe that what began as a dream to be a grace-filled presence in the city reaching many who will never darken the door of a church, has become a reality. More . . .
This Sunday is Rally Day! There will be one spirit-filled worship service at 10:00 a.m. you will not want to miss, followed by a Barbeque and games and fun for all ages. This will be a great Sunday to invite a friend, neighbor, family member to join you for church. Seventy-five percent of people attend a church the first time because someone invites them. They come back a second and third time because they experience a genuine and authentic welcome. We can all contribute to starting this year off with energy and enthusiasm. Step out of your comfort zone and invite someone to worship. Be intentional and go out of your way to welcome those you don‘t know. More . . .
Rally Day! September 12, 2010. One Worship hour at 10:00 a.m. More . . .
“If we fail at love we fail at all things else.” -William Sloan Coffin
When love wins, everyone wins!
Are you a loving person? Would others consider you a loving person? Are you a more loving person today than you were 12 months ago? In other words, are you growing in your capacity to love? Are you growing in your capacity to love God, to love yourself, to love those nearest to you and to love your neighbor?
When love wins, everyone wins!
Are you a loving person? Would others consider you a loving person? Are you a more loving person today than you were 12 months ago? In other words, are you growing in your capacity to love? Are you growing in your capacity to love God, to love yourself, to love those nearest to you and to love your neighbor?
Living Streams message series by Rev. Dr. Steven H. Koski more . . .
No one would have imagined three years ago when God placed a burden on our hearts to share the unconditional love and compassion of Jesus with the disconnected, especially young adults, t hat it would lead to the opening of a restaurant. That movement of God’s Spirit is certainly a mystery and when you open yourself to the movement of God’s Spirit you are certainly destined for the journey of a lifetime. More . . .
My son just graduated from high school and is headed to Minnesota to go to college. It is difficult to imagine not having him around.
We are in the midst of personnel changes at church. We are saying farewell with a great sense of appreciation to Clyde and Garrett as they move to the next chapter of their journeys.
CHANGE . . . TRANSITION . . . It seems to me the one More . . .
We are in the midst of personnel changes at church. We are saying farewell with a great sense of appreciation to Clyde and Garrett as they move to the next chapter of their journeys.
CHANGE . . . TRANSITION . . . It seems to me the one More . . .
The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is now the greatest environmental disaster in American history and there doesn’t seem to be an end to the devastation in sight. Oil is washing up on the Gulf Coast of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, polluting vital wetlands and beaches; killing birds, fish, shrimp, oysters, crab and many others of God’s creatures of the sea. This environmental disaster is destroying the livelihoods of communities throughout the region. It is impossible to estimate the impact this disaster will have on the fragile ocean ecosystem in years to come. More . . .
All over the country at this time of year, people are dressing up in funny gowns to hear their name called so they can walk across the stage and receive their diplomas. We celebrate the graduates who are part of this community of faith and send them into the next adventure of their lives with our prayers and love. I am so very proud of my own son who will be graduating and I’m having a hard time imagining the house without him next year. More . . .
Have you ever over-reacted? Has your reaction to an event or situation been disproportionate to the event itself? Join the club!
There’s a phrase that says, ¨DWhen you squeeze an orange you don’t get prune juice.¡¬ In other words, what is in the center is what will come out when squeezed. If what is inside of us is anxiety, fear, anger and frustration that is what will be expressed when the pressures of life are applied. What if we are centered in peace, calm, strength and love? More . . .
There’s a phrase that says, ¨DWhen you squeeze an orange you don’t get prune juice.¡¬ In other words, what is in the center is what will come out when squeezed. If what is inside of us is anxiety, fear, anger and frustration that is what will be expressed when the pressures of life are applied. What if we are centered in peace, calm, strength and love? More . . .
It is with very mixed feelings that I share with all of you the news that Clyde Thompson will be leaving the position of Director of Music Ministries here at FPC as of Jun 30, 2010. Clyde and Jo Ann have been wanting to travel and this is the time in their lives they wish to pursue that passion and a few others as well. Clyde‘s leadership of The Chancel Choir, classical musicians and soloists has profoundly deepened the worship experience of FPC‘s extraordinary traditional services. In part due to his outstanding appreciation for spiritual music in the classic tradition, these services are profoundly unique in Central Oregon. The significant growth of attendance over his tenure with us is in part due to his sense of musical excellence and spiritual nurture that he has shared among us. More . . .
Many have asked for the quote I used from Dr. Seuss’ book On Beyond Zebra on Easter. Dr. Seuss of course, is my all-time favorite theologian. On Beyond Zebra deals with the dilemma that occurs when you feel trapped and feel life is confined within the limits of the 26 letters of the alphabet. Do you dare to believe there is more? More . . .
We find ourselves in the midst of the most Holy Week of our Christian faith. Holy week offers us opportunities and challenges for our journey.
We are invited to walk with Jesus ¨Dwho set His face resolutely toward Jerusalem.¡¬ Will we be willing to follow the path Jesus walked from Palm Sunday to Easter and become active participants ourselves in the great drama of God‘s story of redeeming the world with love. More . . .
We are invited to walk with Jesus ¨Dwho set His face resolutely toward Jerusalem.¡¬ Will we be willing to follow the path Jesus walked from Palm Sunday to Easter and become active participants ourselves in the great drama of God‘s story of redeeming the world with love. More . . .
I began my ministry over twenty years ago as a chaplain on the pediatric oncology unit at the University of Minnesota Hospital. This experience transformed my life and my ministry. Any theological training or counseling training quickly went out the window as I sat with children and their families waging valiant fights against cancer. I quickly learned that all I had to offer was my presence and my heart. This experience helped me understand that Jesus did not come into this world to take our suffering away from us or even explain why there is suffering. Jesus came into this world to suffer with us and for us. Jesus came into this world to reveal that God is with us . . . to reveal the heart of God who feels our pain and tastes the salt of our tears. More . . .
MapQuest - Inward Journey - Outward Passion
Sundays: 9:00 & 10:45 am, 5:01 pm More information . . .
One of the traditions of our church is to share a common journey by reading a book together as a church community and participate in a small group for six weeks during the season of Lent. The book we will be reading this year is called “The Hole In Our Gospel” by Rich Stearns. Books are on sale on Sunday mornings. “The Hole In Our Gospel” is an inspiring and challenging book that tell one person’s story of transformation as he encounters suffering in the world and he experiences God calling him to respond. More . . .
Can’t Miss Opportunity! The mission of the Sacred Art of Living Center here in is to transform the suffering in ourselves and other. They offer a program called the ‘Scared Art of Living and Dying’ for faith communities and health care and hospice workers. The core teaching of the ‘Sacred Art of Living and Dying’ series is that WE ARE ALL HEALERS – to ourselves, each other and the world around us. The aim is to transform life’s inevitable fear and pain – by awakening the
healing potential when the sacred is discovered in everyday experience. More . . .
healing potential when the sacred is discovered in everyday experience. More . . .
There is a phrase I love which says, “We are the medicine we each need.” Our presence with others in times of transition, uncertainty and pain can be a source of enormous strength and hope. Richard Rohr says that the best example of the Jesus-kind-of-love, agape love, Christian love is solidarity. Solidarity means to
stay in there with brokenness and let it lead you where it will. Our mission statement says we are called to “share the unconditional love and compassion of Jesus.” I believe one of the most profound ways we live this mission is to walk alongside others in times of pain and brokenness offering the gift of our presence. We are not trying to “fix” them or “convert” them or “distract” them away from their pain. We are helping them to know that God-is-with them. More . . .
stay in there with brokenness and let it lead you where it will. Our mission statement says we are called to “share the unconditional love and compassion of Jesus.” I believe one of the most profound ways we live this mission is to walk alongside others in times of pain and brokenness offering the gift of our presence. We are not trying to “fix” them or “convert” them or “distract” them away from their pain. We are helping them to know that God-is-with them. More . . .
Epiphany is the time in the church year when we remember the journey the Magi took, following the star to Bethlehem to honor the newborn Messiah. Legend says there were three wisemen (although the gospel of Matthew makes no mention of a number). The legend uses “three” wise men to represent all races and all ages. The legend of the Magi suggests to us that we are all on this pilgrimage and journey wondering, seeking, questing. More . . .
A grateful heart
is a peaceful heart
is a loving heart.
In this season of thanksgiving, I want to pause and make a list of some of those things for which I am grateful. I suggest you do the same. When you orient your heart towards gratitude it changes the way you look at your world. Here’s some of what fills my heart to overflowing: More . . .
is a peaceful heart
is a loving heart.
In this season of thanksgiving, I want to pause and make a list of some of those things for which I am grateful. I suggest you do the same. When you orient your heart towards gratitude it changes the way you look at your world. Here’s some of what fills my heart to overflowing: More . . .
There’s a story in the Bible where Jesus and his followers were sitting outside the temple treasury watching good, faithful, religious people place their well-calculated tithes into the offering plate as they had been taught to do. A widow appeared on the scene who did not calculate the gift she offered. She gave ALL she had, which wasn’t much. her gift amounted to about one cent. More . . .
Henri Nouwen encapsulated the Christian faith in one sentence. He wrote, “The invitation of Christ is the invitation to walk away from the house of fear and walk into the house of love.” Fear constricts. Love expands. Fear binds. Love frees. Fear fears. Love trusts.
What does it look like in the church to live by faith instead of fear? How might living by faith instead of fear impact how we live into our mission of sharing the
unconditional love and compassion of Jesus? More . . .
What does it look like in the church to live by faith instead of fear? How might living by faith instead of fear impact how we live into our mission of sharing the
unconditional love and compassion of Jesus? More . . .
In the Gospel of Matthew it says, “For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.” (Matthew 25.29)
This Bible reading has always been somewhat puzzling. I suspect we need to get beyond looking at this passage literally and seek a deeper meaning. I don’t believe Jesus is talking about material things. I believe he is talking about a different kind of treasure where the more you draw on it, the more you will have. More . . .
This Bible reading has always been somewhat puzzling. I suspect we need to get beyond looking at this passage literally and seek a deeper meaning. I don’t believe Jesus is talking about material things. I believe he is talking about a different kind of treasure where the more you draw on it, the more you will have. More . . .
A new worship service is set to begin on Sunday, October 4 at . . . yes . . . you guessed it . . . 5:01 pm. This worship celebration will be relaxed and comfortable where you will be encouraged to “come as you are.” (Did you catch the play on 501 Levi jeans?) The worship service will be 45 minutes of energizing music, an inspiring message and engaging prayer. Following worship, there will be a simple meal each and every week that we might break bread together and build a strong sense of community. We need your help! More . . .
Excitement is in the air at your church! Rally Day is Sunday, September 13. THERE WILL BE ONE COMBINED WORSHIP SERVICE at 10:45 am FOLLOWED BY A BARBEQUE. More . . .
I read an article recently about using the social media TWITTER as a spiritual practice. Twitter invites you to answer the question “What are you doing?” using 40 characters or less. Uniting Church in Australia minister Gerard Kelly was stirred into prayer following a tragedy using Twitter. He was moved to start sharing his answer to the question “What are you praying?” in 140 characters or less. He then invited others to answer the question “What are you praying?” More . . .
A profound core value of First Presbyterian is that each and every person is welcomed into God’s love. All are welcome always! If this faith community isn’t for everyone, then it is for no one. Our hope is that through our mission, ministry and life together that people will discover they are loved beyond their wildest hopes and dreams. And, from the fountain of this ceaseless flow of love and grace, we will be empowered, inspired and equipped to live each day the unconditional love and compassion revealed in Jesus. More . . .
The Koski’s in Australia - Worshipped at Brougham Place Uniting Church last Sunday. Wonderful memories cascaded over me. Seeing the Baptismal fount reminded me of the boys Baptism and the community of faith that surrounded my whole family with love and grace. Remembered how accepting and
forgiving this community was in welcoming and encouraging a brash, young (very young) American with bold ideas and lots of naiveté. More . . .
forgiving this community was in welcoming and encouraging a brash, young (very young) American with bold ideas and lots of naiveté. More . . .
Prayer Gathering for The Trailhead - Feeling a need for a quiet morning? Wanting to hear how God is present in our community? Wondering about The Trailhead and how it will evolve? If so, you are invited to attend a prayer and discernment gathering for The Trailhead on Saturday, July 25, at 9:00 a.m. in
the Youth Room at the church. More . . .
the Youth Room at the church. More . . .
A couple of weeks ago I quoted Martin Heidegger who said, “We either live in a forgetfulness of being or a mindfulness of being. “ Someone asked me, “How can I live more mindfully?” One of my favorite books is by Thich Nhat Hanh—The Miracle of Mindfulness. It gives the example of doing the dishes. Instead of rushing through doing the dishes, barely noticing what you are doing as your mind goes through its rarely ceasing ramble of to-do’s and what if’s and what’s
next, SLOW DOWN, feel the warm water, notice the sounds and quiet the mind, breathing deep full breaths saying silently to yourself, “I know that I am
washing the dishes . . . I am washing the dishes.” More . . .
next, SLOW DOWN, feel the warm water, notice the sounds and quiet the mind, breathing deep full breaths saying silently to yourself, “I know that I am
washing the dishes . . . I am washing the dishes.” More . . .
In what way do you wish church would be different? What do you wish church was like? E-mail me, skoski@bendfp.org and let me know what you think.
Our denomination has lost 50% of it’s members since 1966. Howard Rice was addressing a congregation and was asked what he thought was the cause of
this decline. He responded, “Look around. Where are your children? Where are your grandchildren?” More . . .
Our denomination has lost 50% of it’s members since 1966. Howard Rice was addressing a congregation and was asked what he thought was the cause of
this decline. He responded, “Look around. Where are your children? Where are your grandchildren?” More . . .
The Koski’s are headed Down Under in July! You may recall last year St. Michael’s Uniting Church in Melbourne, Australia invited me to preach for
three weeks to celebrate the 20th anniversary of my ordination. I was associate pastor at St. Michaels from 1988-1990 immediately following seminary. I was
then invited to become Senior Pastor of Brougham Place Uniting Church in Adelaide, Australia where I served for 10 years from 1990-2000. (Presbyterians, Methodists and Congregationalists united in 1977 to form the Uniting Church in Australia). More . . .
three weeks to celebrate the 20th anniversary of my ordination. I was associate pastor at St. Michaels from 1988-1990 immediately following seminary. I was
then invited to become Senior Pastor of Brougham Place Uniting Church in Adelaide, Australia where I served for 10 years from 1990-2000. (Presbyterians, Methodists and Congregationalists united in 1977 to form the Uniting Church in Australia). More . . .
Upcoming Message Series - R2 – Road to Recovery
Everyone is hoping for an economic recovery. When an addict talks about recovery, they are not referring to the way things were.
They are talking about new life and a new healthier way of being and living in the world. Join me as we explore R2 – Road to Recovery over the next seven weeks. More . . .
Everyone is hoping for an economic recovery. When an addict talks about recovery, they are not referring to the way things were.
They are talking about new life and a new healthier way of being and living in the world. Join me as we explore R2 – Road to Recovery over the next seven weeks. More . . .
This Sunday, April 26, is a DON’T MISS IT Sunday if you have children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews or if you value children (which I hope means ALL of
us in case you were wondering). This Sunday is BLUE RIBBON Sunday. April has been Child Abuse Prevention month. A representative from the KIDS Center in Bend will be our special guest. The KIDS Center is dedicated to the prevention, evaluation and treatment of child abuse and neglect. Their motto is: “Because it shouldn’t hurt to be a kid.” The theme of my message Sunday is: CHILDREN SHOULD BE SEEN and NOT HURT. The Blue Ribbon for Blue Ribbon Sunday symbolizes the bruises and wounds both external and internal that child abuse creates. More . . .
us in case you were wondering). This Sunday is BLUE RIBBON Sunday. April has been Child Abuse Prevention month. A representative from the KIDS Center in Bend will be our special guest. The KIDS Center is dedicated to the prevention, evaluation and treatment of child abuse and neglect. Their motto is: “Because it shouldn’t hurt to be a kid.” The theme of my message Sunday is: CHILDREN SHOULD BE SEEN and NOT HURT. The Blue Ribbon for Blue Ribbon Sunday symbolizes the bruises and wounds both external and internal that child abuse creates. More . . .
Holy Week More . . .
INVITE A FRIEND TO CHURCH ON SUNDAY, APRIL 5 - Friendship is a central theme of our Lenten Book, “Same Kind of Different as Me.” The theme of our worship on Sunday, April 5 is “Choose to Accept: Can I be a true friend?” Celebrate the gift of friendship and let someone know how much you value their friendship by inviting them to join you for worship on Sunday, April 5. More . . .
Coat Collection - Did your kids outgrow a coat this winter? Do you have a coat in the back of your closet that just doesn’t get worn? We are collecting coats and jackets for Palm Sunday. Bring a coat to Sunday Service on Palm Sunday, April 5. The coats will be donated to help keep those in need warm. Early donations will be collected by Janet Pearson in the church office. Luke 3:11 More . . .
A traditional practice for Lent is to give something up that you might focus more of your attention on God. I urge you to give up two hours of your week and join a Lenten small group. We are exploring together the book Same Kind of Different as Me which is a true story of the life-changing power of unconditional love. I am extremely excited to travel this road with you exploring what it means to “Choose to Love!” More . . .
“So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind . . . Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs.” (1 Thessalonians 5.11, 14, 15) More . . .
I keep hearing people say, “I’m not very optimistic.” The good news is that OPTIMISM and HOPE are radically different attitudes and approaches to the challenges we face. A meditation from the Henri Nouwen Society this week wrote, “Optimism More . . .
There are two wonderful opportunities this month I highly recommend you consider participating in to deepen our faith and grow spiritually. The first is a workshop at our church on January 16 and 17 called “And God Saw That it Was Good.” This workshop will be led by Dr. Mark Brocker (the son of our much-loved guest preacher Frank Brocker). Dr. Brocker is the Pastor at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Beaverton and lecturer in Theology and Ethics for Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. This is an important opportunity to deepen our understanding of environmental issues and the environmental crisis through the lens of our faith. More . . .
Position Description (link to pdf of the attached document above)
Church Information Form (link to: www.pcusa.org) (Form #07146)
