6A COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL October 28, 2015
F AITH
Upcoming
special
events
HANDS-ONLY
CPR
CLASS – Saturday, Nov 7
from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church
hosts this community training
to help save lives. At the end of
the training each participant will
receive CPR certifi cation. Space
is limited to 20 people. The
class fee is $25 for individuals
and $45 for couples. Scholar-
ships are available. The church
is located at 216 S. Third St. For
more information call 541-767-
0812.
MONTHLY
GOSPEL
SING-ALONG – Friday, Nov.
13 from 6:30–8 p.m.
The Old Time Gospel Fel-
lowship Church hosts a monthly
gospel sing-along on the second
Friday night each month. It in-
cludes group singing and music
specials. If you have an instru-
ment to play or you want to sing
a special, call Berneda McDon-
ald at 541-942-3773 or Sandra
Brown at 541-942-9129.
TAIZE
COMMUNITY
SERVICE – Monday, Nov. 16
from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
“Gratitude” is the theme of
the next monthly Taize service
in the chapel of the First Pres-
byterian Church Chapel, on the
corner of Adams Avenue and
South Third. (Use the Third
St. entrance) The service uses
candles, sung prayer, poetry,
silence and scripture to encour-
age deeper refl ection. All are
welcome. For information call
541-942-4479.
New Presbyterian minister
trades big-city life for rural one
BY CINDY WEELDREYER
Sentinel Faith Page Editor
F
or Karen Hill, it’s been a journey through
American metropolises on her way to Small
Town USA as the newest minister of Cottage Grove’s
First Presbyterian Church. Born and raised in Escon-
dido, Calif. (near San Diego), she attended college
in Minneapolis/St. Paul, completed seminary in San
Francisco and ministered to large congregations in
Ft. Wayne, Ind. and Albuquerque before accepting
the call to become the church’s fi rst permanent pastor
since 2008.
Her father was a businessman in the technol-
ogy fi eld for the NCR Corporation, and her mother
worked in the real estate industry. She grew up in a
Christian home with three sisters and graduated from
Orange Glen High School. In 1989, she earned a de-
gree in history from Bethel College in St. Paul, Minn.
and planned to become a high school social studies
teacher.
Drawn to its social justice principles, she joined
a Minneapolis United Methodist Church with 3,000
members and discovered her passion for youth minis-
try. She helped deepen their faith by leading youth on
international mission trips to countries such as Cuba,
Turkey, Costa Rica and Belize.
She loves the energy and enthusiasm of youth and
the fresh perspective they often provide. She received
her call into full-time ministry while working with
teens. Hill later returned to California and attended
two quarters at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasa-
dena after a friend complimented her gift for ministry
and suggested she attend a seminary.
“I grew up in the Baptist General Conference, so the
Methodist bishop appointment system really didn’t
work for me,” Hill said. “I wanted to be called by a
church and be part of a denomination that paired my
intellect and spirituality with theology. That all came
together for me within the Presbyterian Church.”
In 2003, Hill graduated from San Francisco Theo-
logical Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree.
Her fi rst call was serving as the Associate Pastor of
Children, Youth and Family Ministry for 2 ½ years
in a 1,000-member congregation in Fort Wayne, Ind.
Her next call was to serve nine years as the Associ-
ate Pastor for Youth and Congregational Mission of an
Albuquerque church with 800 members.
“Last year, after more than a decade serving in
youth ministry, I realized that call was ending and it
was time for me to make a change.”
Last February, she participated in a phone interview
with local Presbyterians and was invited to make a
personal visit in May to meet the congregation. Sadly,
in the midst of the search process her mother’s termi-
nal illness delayed her arrival for months.
“As a pastoral candidate, when I preached my fi rst
sermon here, it felt familiar. I loved serving weekly
communion to the 100 members who regularly at-
tended the more intimate early Sunday morning ser-
vice in Albuquerque. In that moment I realized this is
the congregation size I really love to serve and was
delighted to receive the call.”
She added, “I soon discovered just how kind and
caring my new congregation was. After meeting them
only once, they sent me fl owers when my Mom died
and told me they were willing to wait while I took
care of family matters. It proved to be the right tim-
“As a pastoral candidate, when
I preached my fi rst sermon
here, it felt familiar...In that
moment I realized this is the
congregation size I really love
to serve and was delighted to
receive the call.”
photo by Bruce Kelsh
Karen Hill began her new position at First
Presbyterian Church on Sept. 15. She said
the church needs to "fi gure out how to be the
Body of Christ in this time and place."
ing for the church and for me – which is how God’s
timing works.”
Hill began her new position on September 15 and
is enjoying opportunities to meet people and explore
her new community. She is particularly impressed
with the “can-do” spirit here in Cottage Grove as evi-
denced by the development of Bohemia Park, the high
school, hospital and library.
She said her biggest challenge in this new ministry
is working with the congregation to fi gure out how to
live with the new reality that America is in the midst
of a signifi cant cultural revolution with the Church
losing its status in society along with many of its
members. “We need to fi gure out how to be the Body
of Christ in this time and place.”
“The Presbyterian Church has a long progressive
tradition in Cottage Grove that presents an important
alternative Christian voice,” Hill noted. “We are an
open and inclusive church, and we welcome everyone
to join us and experience God’s love and the love of
the community.
CHURCH BRIEFS
CG
FAITH
CENTER
HOSTS 'SURVIVING A
HOLIDAY'
WORKSHOP
– Nov. 21, 10 a.m.-noon
The two-hour workshop is de-
signed to share tips on how to
get through the holiday season
with individuals struggling with
grief over the loss of a loved
one. Cottage Grove Faith Center
is located at 33761 Row River
Rd. The event is free and open
to the public. For more info or
to register please call Steve and
Cindy Ryberg at 541-946-1705.
CHURCH-SPONSORED
COMMUNITY DINNERS
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN
ADVENT CLASS – Begins
Nov. 29
Local Presbyterians will
study the scriptures featured in
Handel’s Messiah during the
Advent season. The class begins
Sunday, Nov. 29. Anyone inter-
ested in the class should call the
church offi ce now so books can
be ordered. The number is 541-
942-4479.
GRIEF RECOVERY SUPPORT
GROUP - Sundays from 2-4 p.m.
(through Nov 15)
GriefShare is designed for those who
have lost a loved one and are ready
to begin a journey from mourning
to joy. The two-hour long Sunday
afternoon sessions are hosted at the
Cottage Grove Community Center, 700
E Gibbs Ave. Cottage Grove. Led by
Steve and Cindy Ryberg, the nine-
week series involves topical videos, a
personal study guide and small group
Mondays – United Methodist
Church (second and third Mondays
only) at 5 p.m.
Tuesdays – Trinity Lutheran Church
at 5 p.m.
Wednesdays – Covered Bridge
Church of The Nazarene at 6 p.m.
Thursdays – Trinity
Church at 5 p.m.
Lutheran
discussion. If you have questions, con-
cerns or would like to join the group
please call. Caroll at 541-914-8283 or
Robyn at 830-613-4077.
BAHA’I FAITH TEA AND
PRAYERS
Local gatherings are hosted by mem-
bers of the Baha’i Faith in selected
Cottage Grove sites and neighborhood
homes. For additional information about
the Baha’i Community call Jacqueline
at 541-556-1286 or Brenda at 541-514-
9607. To hear a daily recorded uplifting
Baha’i verse call 541-531-8449.
WEEKDAY MORNING
COMMUNITY BIBLE STUDY
– Monday-Tuesday at 8:30 a.m.
The Cottage Grove United Methodist
Church offers a community Bible study
two days a week. Drop in and enjoy cof-
fee or tea for a 90-minute time of devo-
tional Bible study and discussion. For
more information call 541-942-3033.
AWANA CLUB MEETINGS -
Wednesdays 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
AWANA is a weekly Christian edu-
cation program for ages three through
high school. Hosted by the Cottage
Grove Bible Church, the group meets
weekly during the school year. The cost
includes the purchase of handbooks and
uniforms and dues are 75 cents per week.
Children enjoy memorizing Scripture
verses, games, Bible lessons and dress-
ing up for special theme nights. More
information can be found on the church
website: www.cgbible.org.
PURPOSE-DRIVEN LIFE STUDY
AT NAZARENE CHURCH
– Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
Pastor Cindy Slaymaker invites com-
munity to participate in a study of “The
Purpose Driven Life” by author Rick
Warren starting Wednesday, Sept. 30
at the Covered Bridge Church of the
Nazarene, 152 South M St. Come for
the community meal at 6 p.m. and stay
for the study. For more information call
541-942-4422.
CAMPUS LIFE CLUB – Mondays
and Tuesdays at 7 p.m.
This Lane County Youth for Christ
non-denominational youth outreach
program meets during the school year.
Campus Life’s weekly club meetings
blend food, music, games and a short
Bible-based “talk” that ends with a
prayer. Middle School students meet on
Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at Riverside Com-
munity Church, 1255 S. River Rd. High
School students meet on Mondays at 7
p.m. in the game room above Domino’s
Pizza (next to the post offi ce). More
information available on Facebook at
Cottage Grove Campus Life or by call-
ing Director Tim Sinclair at 541-285-
4812.
MOTHERS OF PRE-SCHOOLERS
[MOPS] – Mondays from 6-8 p.m.
An outreach ministry designed to
support mothers and help them be the
best moms they can be. MOPS is for
mothers with children from birth to
kindergarten. MomsNext is for mothers
with school age children. Both groups
meet at Calvary Chapel in the Village
Shopping Center, 1447 Hwy 99. For
more information visit www.cottage-
grovemops.org or call 541-942-6842.
W orship D irectory
6th & Gibbs Church of Christ
195 N. 6th St. • 541-942-3822
Pastor: Aaron Earlywine
Youth & Families Pastor: Seth Bailey
Services: 9am and 10:30am
Christian Education
Nursery for pre-k - 3rd Grade
www.6thandgibbs.com
Calvary Baptist Church
77873 S 6th St • 541-942-4290
Pastor: Riley Hendricks
Sunday School: 9:45am
Worship: 11:00am
The Journey: Sunday 5:00pm
Praying Thru Life: Wednesday 6:00pm
Cottage Grove Bible Church
1200 East Quincy Avenue
541-942-4771
Pastor:Bob Singer
Worship 11am
Sunday School:9:45am
AWANA age 3-8th Grade,
Wednesdays Sept-May, 6:30pm
www.cgbible.org
Cottage Grove Faith Center
33761 Row River Rd. • 541-942-4851
Lead Pastor: Isaac Hovet
www.cg4.tv
2 Sunday Services: 9am & 11am
Full Childrenʼs Ministry available
Calvary Chapel Cottage Grove
1447 Hwy 99 (Village Plaza)
541-942-6842
Pastor: Jeff Smith
Two Services on Sun: 9am & 10:45am
Wednesday Service 6:45 pm
Child Care 10:45am Service Only
Youth Group Bible Study:
Wed. 6:45 pm & Sat. 6 pm
www.cgcalvary.org
Covered Bridge Nazarene Church
152 S. M St.
541-942-4422
Pastor: Cindy Slaymaker
Sunday School: 9:30am
Worship 10:30am
Church of Christ
420 Monroe St • 541-942-8565
Sunday Service: 10:30am
First Baptist Church
301 S 6th St 541-942-8242
Pastor: Steve Johnson
Sunday School: 9:30am
Worship: 11:00am
Come Worship with us
Delight Valley
Church of Christ
33087 Saginaw Rd. East
Center for Spiritual Living Cottage 541-942-7711
Pastor: Bob Friend
Grove
Two Services:
700 Gibbs Ave (Community Center)
9am - Classic in the Chapel
Rev. Bobby Lee
Meets Sunday 3:00 p.m.
10:30am - Contemporary in the
Auditorium
Info: 541-767-0182 (Mrs. “T”)
First Presbyterian Church
3rd and Adams St • 541-942-4479
Pastor: Karen Hill
Worship: 10:00am
Sunday School: 10:00am
www.cgpresbynews.com
Old Time Gospel Fellowship
103 S. 5th Street • 541-942-4999
Pastor: Herb Carson
Sunday Service: 10:00am
Sunday Bible Study: 6:00pm
We sing the old time hymns.
Grove Community Church
77820 Mosby Creek Rd.
Cottage Grove, OR 97424
541-942-0123
Pastor: Bryan Parsons
Worship: 10:30 a.m.
Nursery: Infant - Pre-K
Kidʼs Church: K to 5th grade
Our Lady of Perpetual Help
and St. Philip Benizi
Catholic Churches
1025 N. 19th St.
541-942-3420 / 541-942-4712
Pastor: Roy L. Antunez, S.J.
Euch. Liturgies; Sat. 5:30pm
Sun. 10:30am
St. Philip Benizi, Creswell:
552 Holbrock Lane • 541-895-8686
Sunday: 8:30am
Hope Fellowship
United Pentecostal Church
100 S. Gateway Blvd. • 541-942-2061
Pastor: Dave Bragg
Worship: 11:00am Sunday
Bible Study: 7:00pm Wednesday
www.hopefellowshipupc.com
“FINDING HOPE IN YOUR LIFE”
Living Faith Assembly
467 S. 10th St. • 541-942-2612
Pastor Rulon Combs
Sunday School All Ages 9am
Worship & Childrenʼs
Church 10:30 am
“The Bridge” Sat Evening Service 6:00pm
Youth 180 Mondays 5:30-8pm
Childrenʼs Breakout Class: Wed. 6:30pm
Non-Denominational
Church of Christ
1041 Pennoyer Ave * 541-767-0447
Preachers: Tony Martin & Robert Evans
Sunday Bible Study:10:00am
Sunday Worship:10:50am & 5:30pm
www.pennoyeravecoc.com
St. Andrews Episcopal Church
1301 W. Main • 541-767-9050
Rev. Lawrence Crumb
“Church with the fl ags.”
Worship: Sunday 10:30am
All Welcome
Seventh-day Adventist Church
820 South 10th Street
541-942-5213
Pastor: Kevin Miller
Bible Study: Saturday, 9:15 am
Worship Service: Saturday, 10:40 am
Mid-week Service: Wednesday, 1:00 pm
Trinity Lutheran Church
6th & Quincy • 541-942-2373
Pastor: James L. Markus
Sunday School & Adult Education 9:15am
Sundway Worship 10:30 am
Comm. Kitchen Free Meal Tue & Thur
5:00pm TLC Groups
tlccg.com
United Methodist Church
334 Washington • 541-942-3033
Pastor:Lura Kidner-Miesen
Worship: 10:30am
Adult Sunday School: 9:30am
Comm. Dinner (Adults $5, Kids Free)
2nd & 3rd Monday 5-6:00pm
cottagegroveumc.org
“VICTORY” Country Church
913 S. 6th Street • 541-942-5913
Pastor: Barbara Dockery
Worship Service: 10:00am
Message:
11:00am
“WE BELIEVE IN MIRACLES”
Our Worship
Directory is a
weekly feature in
the newspaper. If
your congregation
would like to
be a part of this
directory, please
contact the
Cottage Grove
Sentinel
at 541-942-3325.