Rev. Elizabeth N. Oettinger

I began my pastorate here in March of 1991. I find this church to be a place of intelligent questioning and seeking faith, a community committed to creating a welcoming space for all who come within its reach. Whether you are young or older, single or partnered, gay or straight, certain of your faith or full of questions, you are welcome here. My colleague Ryan Lambert and I are always available to hear concerns, answer questions, or be helpful to you in any way we can on your faith journey.

I love the diversity and the opportunity for personal connection in parish ministry. In 25 years, I have served churches in Duluth, MN, Seattle, WA, and since 1992, Corvallis. I have learned from and loved each of these congregations.

When I'm not working, I try to stay connected with my two twenty-something daughters who are the light of my life. I like to cook for friends, visit the coast, and read any kind of novel that tells a good story.

If you come to visit First Congregational, please make yourself known to me. Or if you have a question, you can contact me at the e-mail address below. Everyone in the congregation, adults and children alike, calls me "Liz." I look forward to getting to know you.

- Elizabeth Oettinger,
Senior Minister
liz@ucc-corvallis.org

Rev. Ryan Lambert

I am glad you found us here on the web and hope you will join us for worship, study, or one of our many fellowship events. I began my pastorate here as Associate Minister in 2003 after completing my seminary training at Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California. After four years in California it was good to return home to the Northwest, and I have fallen in love with both the beauty and pace of Corvallis and the faith and witness of the people of this congregation.

My job as the Associate Minister takes me in many directions. You may see me preaching and leading worship, washing cars at a youth fundraiser, teaching church school in the education wing, leading the lectionary bible study, or leading youth groups. I am drawn to ministry because of its variety and the many opportunities I am given to interact with people—in times of celebration and in times of loss or grief. I am humbled by this calling and love the work.

When I am away from work, I spend my time with my partner, Shauna, our two young daughters, Grace and Marin, and our slightly obnoxious dog, Masy.

My colleague Liz Oettinger and I are available to answer questions you might have about this congregation and our denomination (The United Church of Christ), your own faith journey, or other issues. If you visit please make yourself known to me so that I may personally welcome you to this wonderful congregation. Feel free to contact me via email and know that people of all ages call me “Ryan.”

I look forward to meeting you and joining with you wherever you are on life’s journey!

- Ryan Lambert,
Associate Minister
ryan@ucc-corvallis.org