First Presbyterian Church of Cottage Grove

09/04/2026

The 1st Sunday in the Season of Creation

FOR STUDY
Psalm 29:1-11, HB, pg.621
Luke 8:22-25, CB, pg. 82

ANNOUNCEMENTS
For the week of September 9th-September 13th, 2026

THANK YOU FROM WARM SPRINGS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
The church received this thank you note from the Presbytery of the Cascades on behalf of the Warm Springs Church after the wildfires. "To our friends at the First Presbyterian Church in Cottage Grove, In addition to the thousands of pounds of supplies and bottled water driven to our friends in Warm Springs who've been dealing with wildfires, $17,000 has been raised for the relief efforts! Thank you for the role you recently played with your financial support. With gratitude, on behalf of the Presbytery of the Cascades, Lorraine Prather, Beaverton, OR."

OFFICE HOURS
The Church Office will be open on Wednesday and Thursday 9:30 AM—12:30 PM. Jen Heritage will be out of the office on Fridays, Rev. Karen Hill will be out of the office 9/3-9/15.

COMMUNION SUNDAY COLLECTIONS
Every first Sunday of the month, on Communion Sundays, we collect a special offering for the Deacons Fund, which is used to help people in need. We also collect non-perishable food for Community Sharing in green bags to fill the red wagon in the Narthex. If you have a prayer request, please fill out a Prayer Request Form and place it in an offering plate at the back of the Sanctuary. We greatly appreciate your gifts, thank you!

KITCHEN COORDINATOR
In September, the kitchen coordinator is Eryn Knutson. Thanks so much, Eryn!

COFFEE HOUR
This Sunday, September 6th, Coffee Hour will be hosted by Jennifer Mandeville, Kate Hemsoth, Pam Ciullo, and Cindy Vogel. Thank you!

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS
We will be celebrating this month’s birthdays on Sunday, September 13th, during coffee hour with a cake provided by Jim Downing. Come and join the celebration!

PER CAPITA REMINDER
Have you paid your per capita for 2026? As a member of First Presbyterian Church we are asked to pay a per capita fee to support the work of the Presbytery. Their support to the individual congregations is invaluable. This year the amount is $50.00. We pay this amount from our budget for each member and ask that you reimburse the budget. Thank you!!!!

THE BOOK GROUP READS AGAIN
Please join us for another book group - we will meet on Sunday, November 1st at 2 pm in the chapel (Please notice the new time!) To continue our discussion of our last book, Conversion Therapy Dropout, we are reading Unclobber: Rethinking Our Misuse of the Bible on Homosexuality by Colby Martin.

PHOTOS WANTED
In September, we will celebrate the Season of Creation in worship. As in years past, we'd like your help creating visual images for inspiration. Would you please submit your photos to match each week's theme? We'll use them in the weekly bulletin and in our emailed announcements. The themes for the month are in this order: Sept 13th - wilderness; Sept 20th - sun; Sept 27 - rainbow. Please, email your pictures to Jen in the church office, [email protected] or to Karen, [email protected]. Thanks for sharing the beauty of creation.

PAINTING THE SEASON OF CREATION
Please welcome Amber Rose, church member and artist. Throughout the month of September, as we celebrate the Season of Creation, Amber will paint the service, incorporating the weekly theme. Many thanks to Amber for sharing her gifts with us!

SAVE YOUR PRESCRIPTION BOTTLES!
Community Sharing can use your empty prescription bottles for toiletries and other liquids. They receive large containers of shampoo, shower gel, conditioner, etc. that they can pour into those bottles. Just pull all labels off and deposit them in the paper bag hanging near the red wagon. Thank you!!

FRESH PRODUCE
We love that some of you choose to share the extra bounty from your gardens! Please remember to take with you any items you brought if they have not been taken when you are leaving. Flowers, herbs, vegetables and fruit are never appealing after a week on that table!

INTERNATIONAL PEACE DAY
Monday September 21 is International Day of Peace. ESJ is hosting an interfaith gathering at the Peace Pole in Coiner Park from 5:30-6:30 PM with prayers, readings, and reflections.

08/28/2026

The 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

FOR STUDY
Micah 6:6-8, HB, pg.1060
Luke 4:14-21, CB, pg.74-75

ANNOUNCEMENTS
For the week of August 30th-September 6th, 2026

WARM SPRINGS NEEDS OUR HELP
Have you seen the news about the Bench Fire near Warm Springs, OR? Many people on the reservation were displaced and six houses burned. It's a huge loss to a community that already has a severe housing shortage. Every house lost displaces a multi-generational family. The Presbyterian Church of Warm Springs is asking for help stocking its Food and Supply Pantry. They are critically low on baby supplies. Please help by making a donation to the Presbytery of the Cascades. You may go to the top right on the website: https://cascadespresbytery.org/. The DONATE button is set up to receive gifts for Warm Springs. Thanks for your support.

OFFICE HOURS
The Church Office will be open on Wednesday and Thursday 9:30 AM—12:30 PM. Jen Heritage will be out of the office on Fridays, Rev. Karen Hill will be out of the office 9/3-9/15.

RESPONDING TO THE WORD
People of faith respond to God’s call in several ways. By giving of their time, their talent, or their tithe (finances). If you would like to support the mission and ministry of this church the offering plates are located in the back of the Sanctuary. Thank you for your generosity.

KITCHEN COORDINATOR
In August, the kitchen coordinator is Lani Wright. Thanks so much, Lani!

COFFEE HOUR
This Sunday, August 30th, Coffee Hour will be hosted by the ESJ. Thank you!

PER CAPITA REMINDER
Have you paid your per capita for 2026? As a member of First Presbyterian Church we are asked to pay a per capita fee to support the work of the Presbytery. Their support to the individual congregations is invaluable. This year the amount is $50.00. We pay this amount from our budget for each member and ask that you reimburse the budget. Thank you!!!!

PHOTOS WANTED
In September, we will celebrate the Season of Creation in worship. As in years past, we'd like your help creating visual images for inspiration. Would you please submit your photos to match each week's theme? We'll use them in the weekly bulletin and in our emailed announcements. The themes for the month are in this order: Sept 6th - storm; Sept 13th - wilderness; Sept 20th - sun; Sept 27 - rainbow. Please, email your pictures to Jen in the church office, [email protected] or to Karen, [email protected]. Thanks for sharing the beauty of creation.

HARVEST CONCERT IN THE PARK
Our congregation has been invited to join other church communities in Cottage Grove at the "Harvest Concert in the Park", presented by South Lane Worship. The concert is tonight, August 28th, at 6PM at Bohemia Park. Information about First Presbyterian Church will be available at the "Church Connection Center" that is set up for people to learn more about churches in the Grove.

THE BOOK GROUP READS AGAIN
Please join us for another book group - we will meet on Sunday, November 1st at 2 pm in the chapel (Please notice the new time!) To continue our discussion of our last book, Conversion Therapy Dropout, we are reading Unclobber: Rethinking Our Misuse of the Bible on Homosexuality by Colby Martin. Here's a brief summary of the book - "Armed with only six passages in the Bible--often known as the "clobber passages"--the traditional Christian position has been one that stands against the full inclusion of our LGBTQ brothers and sisters. Unclobber reexamines each of those frequently quoted passages of Scripture, alternating with author Colby Martin's own story of being fired from an evangelical megachurch when they discovered his stance on sexuality." If you've always wondered where the scripture justification comes from for Christians practicing exclusion, this is the time to come and learn more. Christian allies will find this helpful in speaking out in support of our LGBTQIA+ sisters and brothers.

08/14/2026

The 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

FOR STUDY
Psalms 23:1-4, HB, pg.617
John 12:23-26, CB, pg.130

ANNOUNCEMENTS
For the week of August 16th-August 23rd, 2026

WARM SPRINGS NEEDS OUR HELP
Have you seen the news about the Bench Fire near Warm Springs, OR? Many people on the reservation were displaced and six houses burned. It's a huge loss to a community that already has a severe housing shortage. Every house lost displaces a multi-generational family. The Presbyterian Church of Warm Springs is asking for help stocking its Food and Supply Pantry. They are critically low on baby supplies. Please help by making a donation to the Presbytery of the Cascades. You may go to the top right on the website: https://cascadespresbytery.org/. The DONATE button is set up to receive gifts for Warm Springs. Thanks for your support.

OFFICE HOURS
The Church Office will be open on Wednesday and Thursday 9:30 AM—12:30 PM. Jen Heritage will be out of the office on Fridays, Rev. Karen Hill will be available by phone.

RESPONDING TO THE WORD
People of faith respond to God’s call in several ways. By giving of their time, their talent, or their tithe (finances). If you would like to support the mission and ministry of this church the offering plates are located in the back of the Sanctuary. Thank you for your generosity.

KITCHEN COORDINATOR
In August, the kitchen coordinator is Lani Wright. Thanks so much, Lani!

COFFEE HOUR
This Sunday, August 16th, Coffee Hour will be hosted by Wendy Kelsh and Pam Ciullo. Thank you, Wendy and Pam!

COOKIE POTLUCK
Next Sunday, August 23rd, will be Cookie Sunday at Coffee Hour! We count on those of you who are able, to bring cookies or whatever your heart desires to share. Hospitality will take care of making the coffee, setting up the food table, and cleaning up.

PHOTOS WANTED
In September, we will celebrate the Season of Creation in worship. As in years past, we'd like your help creating visual images for inspiration. Would you please submit your photos to match each week's theme? We'll use them in the weekly bulletin and in our emailed announcements. The themes for the month are in this order: Sept 6th - storm; Sept 13th - wilderness; Sept 20th - sun; Sept 27 - rainbow. Please, email your pictures to Jen in the church office, [email protected] or to Karen, [email protected]. Thanks for sharing the beauty of creation.

"File:Monseñor Romero (colour).jpg." Wikimedia Commons. 30 Jun 2026, 18:43 UTC. 12 Aug 2026, 17:21.

08/08/2026

https://mailchi.mp/cascadespresbytery/help-needed-at-warm-springs-15097928

First, a huge THANK YOU to everyone who has so generously supported our Warm Springs Fire Relief efforts. Your response has been overwhelming, and it's a beautiful reminder of what it means to be the Connectional Church.

08/07/2026

The 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

FOR STUDY
Amos 5:21-24, HB, pg.1046
Galatians 6:9, CB, pg.233

ANNOUNCEMENTS
For the week of August 9th-August 16th, 2026

WARM SPRINGS NEEDS OUR HELP
Have you seen the news about the Bench Fire near Warm Springs, OR? Many people on the reservation were displaced and six houses burned. It's a huge loss to a community that already has a severe housing shortage. Every house lost displaces a multi-generational family. The Presbyterian Church of Warm Springs is asking for help stocking its Food and Supply Pantry. They are critically low on baby supplies. Please help by making a donation to the Presbytery of the Cascades. You may go to the top right on the website: https://cascadespresbytery.org/. The DONATE button is set up to receive gifts for Warm Springs. Thanks for your support.
Here is an updated announcement from the Presbytery of the Cascades: https://mailchi.mp/cascadespresbytery/help-needed-at-warm-springs-15097928

OFFICE HOURS
The Church Office will be open on Wednesday and Thursday 9:30 AM—12:30 PM. Jen Heritage will be out of the office on Fridays, Rev. Karen Hill will be available by phone.

RESPONDING TO THE WORD
People of faith respond to God’s call in several ways. By giving of their time, their talent, or their tithe (finances). If you would like to support the mission and ministry of this church the offering plates are located in the back of the Sanctuary. Thank you for your generosity.

KITCHEN COORDINATOR
In August, the kitchen coordinator is Lani Wright. Thanks so much, Lani!

COFFEE HOUR
This Sunday, August 9th, Coffee Hour will be a celebration of all August birthdays. Come and join the celebration!

Community Sharing Program
For the month of August, FPC donated a total of 157 pounds of food to Community Sharing. Thank you for your generosity!

FREE TO A GOOD HOME The Christian Education Committee is cleaning out the Gant Room and has a file cabinet and a book shelf to give away (Please check in with Cindy Vogel for help.) The Pen*ston family is cleaning out their parents’ home and has a number of art prints to give away. Please check them out in Friendship Hall and take one or two or five!

"File:Martin Luther King Jr. during the famous "I have a dream" speech.jpg." Wikimedia Commons. 24 Apr 2026, 21:27 UTC. 29 Jul 2026, 18:17.

07/31/2026

The 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

FOR STUDY
Matthew 25:31-40, CB, pg.35
Hebrews 13:2, CB, pg.276

ANNOUNCEMENTS
For the week of August 2nd-August 9th, 2026

WARM SPRINGS NEEDS OUR HELP
Have you seen the news about the Bench Fire near Warm Springs, OR? Many people on the reservation were displaced and six houses burned. It's a huge loss to a community that already has a severe housing shortage. Every house lost displaces a multi-generational family. The Presbyterian Church of Warm Springs is asking for help stocking its Food and Supply Pantry. They are critically low on baby supplies. Please help by making a donation to the Presbytery of the Cascades. You may go to the top right on the website https://cascadespresbytery.org/. The DONATE button is set up to receive gifts for Warm Springs. Thanks for your support.

OFFICE HOURS
The Church Office will be open on Wednesday and Thursday 9:30 AM—12:30 PM. Jen Heritage will be out of the office on Fridays, Rev. Karen Hill will be available by phone.

COMMUNION SUNDAY COLLECTIONS
Every first Sunday of the month, on Communion Sundays, we collect a special offering for the Deacons Fund, which is used to help people in need. We also collect non-perishable food for Community Sharing in green bags to fill the red wagon in the Narthex. If you have a prayer request, please fill out a Prayer Request Form and place it in an offering plate at the back of the Sanctuary. We greatly appreciate your gifts, thank you!

KITCHEN COORDINATOR
In August, the kitchen coordinator is Lani Wright. Thanks so much, Lani!

COFFEE HOUR
This Sunday, August 2nd, Coffee Hour will be hosted by Suzanne Keaveny, Vicky Brown, and Pauline Thorstenson. Thank you!

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS
Sunday, August 9th, will be a celebration of all August birthdays during coffee hour. Come and join the celebration!

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FAIR
The City of Cottage Grove will be holding its 10th annual emergency preparedness fair in Coiner Park this Saturday, August 1, 11am - 2pm. Family friendly, free admission and food! Games and raffles.

CONTACT FOR TIP TAP GROW
Mary Nisewander is the primary contact person with Tip Tap Grow. If you have any questions or concerns with our newest partner in the Early Childhood Education program at FPC you may reach her at 541.954.2436 or [email protected] between 8 and 5:30, Monday through Friday. Please include your issue with the day, date, and time of the concern. If a TTG issue arises over the weekend, please contact her. Thank you for your commitment to assisting in making our young learners safe and comfortable.

FREE TO A GOOD HOME
The Christian Education Committee is cleaning out the Gant Room and has a file cabinet and a book shelf to give away (Please check in with Cindy Vogel for help.) The Pen*ston family is cleaning out their parents’ home and has a number of art prints to give away. Please check them out in Friendship Hall and take one or two or five!

"File:Dorothy Day, 1916 (cropped).jpg." Wikimedia Commons. 2 Oct 2024, 16:56 UTC. 16 Jul 2026, 17:07.

07/17/2026

The 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

FOR STUDY
Psalm 139:1-12,23-24, HB, pg.710-711
Mark 8:31-36, CB, pg.53

ANNOUNCEMENTS
For the week of July 19th-July 26th, 2026

OFFICE HOURS
The Church Office will be open on Wednesday and Thursday 9:30 AM—12:30 PM. Jen Heritage will be out of the office this week. On Friday, Rev. Karen Hill will be available by phone.

RESPONDING TO THE WORD
People of faith respond to God’s call in several ways. By giving of their time, their talent, or their tithe (finances). If you would like to support the mission and ministry of this church the offering plates are located in the back of the Sanctuary. Thank you for your generosity.

KITCHEN COORDINATOR
In July, the kitchen coordinator is Pam Cuillo. Thanks so much, Pam!

COFFEE HOUR
This Sunday, July 19th, Coffee Hour will be hosted by Jennifer Powell and Lynn Rogers. Thank you, Jennifer and Lynn!

COOKIE POTLUCK
Next Sunday, July 26th, will be Cookie Sunday at Coffee Hour! We count on those of you who are able, to bring cookies or whatever your heart desires to share. Hospitality will take care of making the coffee, setting up the food table, and cleaning up.

COMMUNITY SHARING
FPC donated another 138 pounds of food to Community Sharing this month. Thank you so much for your generosity!

ALL-CHURCH PICNIC
Saturday, July 25 at our church, from 1:00-3:00. It’s never too late to sign up. Just message us here and tell us how many people, which burger (Angus, salmon, veggie), and whether you can bring a side dish or dessert. We will provide lemonade, water, plates/flatware/glasses/napkins, buns, condiments.
We’ll have corn hole, Connect Four, bocce, and ring toss. There will also be a drawing for the potted plants that will be part of the decorations.
We still need/can use:
· portable tables to use in the garden
· any indoor/outdoor games
· volunteers for set up and clean up

PRIDE MONTH BOOK GROUP
The Church Book Group is back! Please join us in reading a Pride Month selection: Conversion Therapy Dropout by Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez. This book is "A gay Christian's behind-the-scenes account of evangelical megachurches and eight years in conversion therapy before finding wholeness and authenticity....In a desperate attempt to "fix" himself, Shraeder Rodriguez turned to conversion therapy, spending eight years trying to pray the gay away. After years of this harmful "therapy," Schraeder Rodriguez's sexuality never changed. But his faith did. Schraeder Rodriguez wouldn't remain silent. Instead, he forged a new path, discovering a vibrant faith beyond the constraints of non-affirming theology and finding a community that embraced his whole self." Please join the group discussion of the book on Sunday, July 26th at 11.30am in the Chapel. The Book Mine on Main Street has five copies of the book for sale at 20% off, and the CE Committee will have two copies available to borrow. Let's read and learn more together - come, join the discussion.

"File:Bonhoeffer.jpg." Wikimedia Commons. 29 Jan 2025, 19:10 UTC. 8 Jul 2026, 17:54.

07/03/2026

The 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

FOR STUDY
Exodus 3:7-8, HB, pg.62
Luke 13:10-17, CB, pg.93

ANNOUNCEMENTS
For the week of July 5th-July 12th, 2026

OFFICE HOURS
The Church Office will be open on Wednesday and Thursday from 9:30 AM—12:30 PM. Rev. Karen Hill will be out of the office through July 14th.

COMMUNION SUNDAY COLLECTIONS
Every first Sunday of the month, on Communion Sundays, we collect a special offering for the Deacons Fund, which is used to help people in need. We also collect non-perishable food for Community Sharing in green bags to fill the red wagon in the Narthex. If you have a prayer request, please fill out a Prayer Request Form and place it in an offering plate at the back of the Sanctuary. We greatly appreciate your gifts, thank you!

KITCHEN COORDINATOR
In July, the kitchen coordinator is Pam Cuillo. Thanks so much, Pam!

COFFEE HOUR
This Sunday, July 5th, Coffee Hour will be hosted by Barbara Gant, Mary Nisewander, and Cindy Vogel. Thank you!

JULY BIRTHDAYS
On Sunday, July 12th, we will be celebrating all July birthdays during the coffee hour with a cake provided by Jim Downing. Come and join the celebration.

CHURCH PICNIC
Our 2026 Church Picnic will be held Saturday, July 25 at First Presbyterian Church (not Row River Grange) from 1:00 – 3:00. The Hospitality Committee will provide burgers (Angus beef, veggie, and salmon), buns, and condiments, and will provide coolers with ice. Please sign up on the sign-up sheet in Friendship Hall to let us know how many people are coming, what you will bring and choice of burgers. You can bring a side dish or dessert, and your beverages of choice. We are looking for folks who are willing to loan us games and activities (indoor AND outdoor). There will be a separate sign-up sheet for that. Please let us know that you are coming no later than Sunday, July 12. After that, call Wendy Kelsh at 541-654-1171.

PRIDE MONTH BOOK GROUP
The Church Book Group is back! Please join us in reading a Pride Month selection: Conversion Therapy Dropout by Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez. This book is "A gay Christian's behind-the-scenes account of evangelical megachurches and eight years in conversion therapy before finding wholeness and authenticity....In a desperate attempt to "fix" himself, Shraeder Rodriguez turned to conversion therapy, spending eight years trying to pray the gay away. After years of this harmful "therapy," Schraeder Rodriguez's sexuality never changed. But his faith did. Schraeder Rodriguez wouldn't remain silent. Instead, he forged a new path, discovering a vibrant faith beyond the constraints of non-affirming theology and finding a community that embraced his whole self." Please join the group discussion of the book on Sunday, July 26th at 11.30am in the Chapel. The Book Mine on Main Street has five copies of the book for sale at 20% off, and the CE Committee will have two copies available to borrow. Let's read and learn more together - come, join the discussion.

PHOTO: Take My Hand, mural depicting Harriet Tubman painted by Michael Rosato, an artist who lives in Dorchester County, Maryland, where Tubman was born and lived in slavery for more than 25 years. The mural is located on the side of The Harriet Tubman Museum, Cambridge, Maryland.

06/19/2026

The 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time

FOR STUDY
Psalm 86:1-10, HB, pg.669
Revelation 21:1-7, CB, pg.315

ANNOUNCEMENTS
For the week of June 21st-June 28th, 2026

OFFICE HOURS
The Church Office will be open on Wednesday and Thursday from 9:30 AM—12:30 PM. Jen Heritage will be out of the office on Fridays, Rev. Karen Hill will be available by phone.

RESPONDING TO THE WORD
People of faith respond to God’s call in several ways. By giving of their time, their talent, or their tithe (finances). If you would like to support the mission and ministry of this church the offering plates are located in the back of the Sanctuary. Thank you for your generosity.

KITCHEN COORDINATOR
In June, the kitchen coordinator is Wendy Kelsh. Thanks so much!

COFFEE HOUR
This Sunday, June 21st, Coffee Hour will be a celebration of all June birthdays with a cake provided by Jim Downing. Come and join the celebration.

CHURCH PICNIC
Our 2026 Church Picnic will be held Saturday, July 25 at First Presbyterian Church (not Row River Grange) from 1:00 – 3:00. The Hospitality Committee will provide burgers (Angus beef, veggie, and salmon), buns, and condiments, and will provide coolers with ice. Please sign up on the sign-up sheet in Friendship Hall to let us know how many people are coming, what you will bring and choice of burgers. You can bring a side dish or dessert, and your beverages of choice. We are looking for folks who are willing to loan us games and activities (indoor AND outdoor). There will be a separate sign-up sheet for that. Please let us know that you are coming no later than Sunday, July 12. After that, call Wendy Kelsh.

PRIDE MONTH BOOK GROUP
The Church Book Group is back! Please join us in reading a Pride Month selection: Conversion Therapy Dropout by Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez. This book is "A gay Christian's behind-the-scenes account of evangelical megachurches and eight years in conversion therapy before finding wholeness and authenticity....In a desperate attempt to "fix" himself, Shraeder Rodriguez turned to conversion therapy, spending eight years trying to pray the gay away. After years of this harmful "therapy," Schraeder Rodriguez's sexuality never changed. But his faith did. Schraeder Rodriguez wouldn't remain silent. Instead, he forged a new path, discovering a vibrant faith beyond the constraints of non-affirming theology and finding a community that embraced his whole self." Please join the group discussion of the book on Sunday, July 26th at 11.30am in the Chapel. The Book Mine on Main Street has five copies of the book for sale at 20% off, and the CE Committee will have two copies available to borrow. Let's read and learn more together - come, join the discussion.

WORLD REFUGEE DAY
Enjoy music, food, and programming that honors the diversity and strength of our refugee and immigrant community – and the people and organizations who walk alongside them every day. Saturday, June 20th, 12:00-4:00 PM, First United Methodist Church, 1376 Olive Street, Eugene, Oregon, https://www.ccslc.org/wrd-2026. ESJ is one of the sponsors of this event.

Photo:
"File:Statue of Dame Julian crop.jpg." Wikimedia Commons. 8 Jan 2026, 05:49 UTC. 3 Jun 2026, 17:37.