First Congregational United Church of Christ Corvallis Oregon

Friends,

Council met on Sunday to discuss returning to the sanctuary this Fall, as we continue to live with the presence of COVID-19. We reaffirmed our touchstone for making these choices: to make our gathering as safe as it can possibly be and to take seriously our commitment to care well for one another.

I think the way the church gathers (whether in work or worship) should always pay close attention to our interdependence, the goal of collective access, leadership of the most impacted, and collective liberation - meaning no one gets left behind.

During our council meeting, I heard all of those values being affirmed in conversation as we reached collective alignment around the following decisions:

* We will hold one more worship service outdoors - World Communion Sunday on October 2nd (as long as the weather holds)

* We will return to the sanctuary on October 9th with masks strongly recommended and highly encouraged

We recognize that this decision will not meet everyone's preference (it is not the most nor least restrictive policy) ... but it feels like the right choice for us as we lead with a spiritual commitment to safe space and care of body and spirit.

with love,
Jen, Council and Church Staff

Outdoor worship is on our property in Hanson Grove. Worship starts at 10:30 a.m.

Children will be invited to remain with their families in Hanson Grove or opt into a worship space of their own with Jaqui Eicher in the (air-conditioned) Meeting Hall.

What to bring besides your lovely selves:
While there’s lots of shade from the beautiful ash trees, you may still want to plan for heat: bring a hat, a water bottle, sunscreen etc. We also encourage you to bring your own chair or blanket. We will have some folding chairs available. Masks are optional.

Safe Camp

Safe Camp is the original location of the SafePlace program - a project of Unity Shelter that assists individuals, couples, and families in housing transitions by providing safe, temporary housing coupled with case management, and/or peer support services.

Learn more about Safe Camp here.

If you need shelter in Corvallis, please contact:

Corvallis Men's Shelter: 541-250-5113 (211 SE Chapman Place)
Corvallis Women's Shelter: 541-207-4636 (1166 NW Jackson Avenue --a.k.a. Room at the Inn)

Corvallis SafePlace Intake: 541-224-7690
Unity Shelter: 541-286-5121 / info@unityshelter.org

If you need a meal, please go to:

Mondays 5:30PM St. Mary's Catholic Church Parish Center, 501 NW 25th St. Corvallis
and at the Hygiene Center, 156 SE Chapman Pl, Corvallis

Tuesdays 5:30PM First Christian Church, 602 SW Madison, Corvallis

Wednesdays 11:30AM St. Mary's Catholic Church Parish Center, 501 NW 25th St. Corvallis
Wednesdays at 1PM Hygiene Center, 156 SE Chapman Pl, Corvallis

Thursdays 5:30PM First Congregational Church, 4515 SW West Hills Rd. Corvallis
and at the Hygiene Center, 156 SE Chapman Pl, Corvallis

Fridays 11:30AM St. Mary's Catholic Church Parish Center, 501 NW 25th St. Corvallis
Fridays 1PM Hygiene Center, 156 SE Chapman Pl, Corvallis

Saturdays 10AM First Christian Church, 602 SW Madison, Corvallis

Sundays 5:30PM First Christian Church, 602 SW Madison, Corvallis

Meals are cooked and served by Stone Soup Corvallis.
All are welcome to come and eat.
No questions asked.

First Congregational is a Just Peace, inclusive community of Christian faith in Corvallis. We're a church where all are welcome - and where ‘all’ really does mean all. We are real people who care about nurturing love and belonging in the world, most often in the context of Christianity. We worship with tradition and innovation, weaving our liturgies and stories together every Sunday morning. We tell stories from the Bible and our lives, knowing that every story is a holy one.

If you are looking for a faith community to call home, we would love to meet you!

Sunday Worship