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December 3, 2000 Short By Stuff Dave Shaner Three weeks ago, Mrs. Rabin, widow of former Israeli Prime Minister, Yitzhak Rabin passed away from cancer. Her husband was assassinated in 1995 by a young man from a group known as the Jewish Avenging Organization. Mr. Rabin had been very instrumental in orchestrating a land for peace treaty with the Palestinians. It was not a very popular treaty but it was a solution to an age-old problem that many thought there was no solution. The killer readily confessed and even later cooperated in helping the authorities to reenact the incident. There was no shame or remorse by the assailant. The Jews have always prided themselves in the fact that they have been persecuted by outsiders over the years and as such have been a very close knit nation. In this incident, however, the unthinkable had happened, one Jew had killed another. Rabin had once led the fight to oust the Palestinians. Now, however, he will be remembered for all time as the man who gave up his life in making peace with them. It takes a lot of courage to withstand against longstanding sentiments. Rabin made himself vulnerable when he sought this peace. It ended up costing him his life. Another man sought peace that had a similar scenario. This time, however, the stakes were much bigger than a dispute between two relatively small nations. Jesus Christ also offered peace, but this new kingdom gained immediate peace with God. This is a war with which no one can afford to lose. We started the war and we have perpetuated the war. But God has offered a solution. It involved His only Son. Jesus' teaching was not always popular. He took on the establishment and challenged their deep prejudices and traditions. This kingdom offers true joy, happiness, peace, and contentment, along with eternal life. And, coincidentally, this peace was negotiated in the Middle East but it was a treaty for all mankind. Ultimately, some did not like his offer. He also paid the ultimate price with his own blood. It was shed for you and me. As so often is the case, when a leader is assassinated, the assailant's intentions in killing the man just ends up memorializing him for all time. Such is the case with Jesus. We meet today because he was killed wrongly. He paid the ultimate price for our sins. This death has offered a lasting peace for all who wish to be a part of the agreement. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift. Have a Great Week Search me O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. - Psalm 139:23
Going and Growing I know it's hard to believe,
OK enough of that. Yes there is a New Years Eve Party at the building on the appropriate day. I'm thinking of having table games like BUNKO, but I'm open to other suggestions. The fellowship task force will meet December, 10th after morning services. If you have an IDEA, come and meet and eat with us. Bring finger food. Please contact Ken Neubauer if you have any questions. NOTE: You really need to be at this party, you haven't brought in the New Year properly until you have seen Don Rude stomp balloons. It will be Great !!!!!!
New Deacon Arrty Rude has been placed before the church as a prospective deacon. His name was suggested by the church when deacons were selected. He would be serving in the Knit Ministry. If you have any concerns or comments, be sure to talk to him about them. If you you have any scriptural concerns, be sure to address these to the elders as soon as possible.
Christmas Baskets The Benevolence Ministry is in the process of gathering food for our needy family Christmas dinner baskets. Please get your contributions and requests for baskets in early. We will have bags in the foyer December 10th. Please help us share our blessings. For information or questions call Jack or Dee Pierce 457-1185 or Pat Riggs 772-3964
Bible Study Groups Are you currently attending a Bible Study Group? There are several meeting throughout the community during the week. Most of them meet on Sunday evening. There is a daytime group, a marriage group, and some ladies groups. One group meets at the church building on Sunday evenings. They are currently studying the book of Revelation to coincide with LTC's study. Child care is provided Sunday evening. See the back of the bulletin for a complete list of bible Study Groups. Call the Bible Study Group leader for where the group is meeting.
Focus on Bonners Ferry With our missions seminar recently completed, we have been making reports on the various works for which we are making monthly financial commitments to. Currently, we are helping in part Ralph & Anna Crump in Nigeria, Dave & Becky Reeves in Togo, Jerry & Pam Sisemore in Siberia, Jim & Diane Rude in Astoria, and Ric & Cathy Dukes in Bonners Ferry. There are others that we have been privileged to help from time to time with one time contributions. We would like to highlight the Bonners Ferry work at this time. The church in Bonners Ferry has been there for over 20 years. Our own Doug and Jeri Gwin were very instrumental in helping that congregation to develop. The church there has had several preachers over that time span and has had some ups and downs. Ric Dukes has been the preacher there now for about 5 years. Ric is a graduate of the Sunset School of Preaching. The elders here went up two years ago and conducted a workshop on shepherding. They now have grown and matured to the point where where this year, they officially installed 3 men as elders. They also have some signing talent where they conduct Bible studies for the deaf. One such lady was recently baptized through these studies. Their youth group numbers about 15 and they get together for social activities, and also have weekly devotionals. They also have various projects where they help the elderly in the church. Recently, the church in Bonners sent a large number of its members to Tigard, Oregon for an evangelism workshop to help them develop more outreach skills. Smaller communities often have a unique challenge. They are often not as mobile and people are not moving in or out very much. As such, you would encounter people who already have their own patterns and customs of their own church tradition. They have been in the community for a long time and change does not come as easy. But a long time presence in the community eventually draws people to truth. Part of the church's goal is simply to help others to understand the Bible more accurately and to be there when people are ready to respond to Christ. We still need to aggressively go out and teach. We don't have the luxury nor the time to simply wait for people to come to us, but people in smaller communities tend to take a little more time to change. The church in Bonners Ferry has a good presence and they are actively teaching. Keep them in your prayers. They would love to have you come and visit them on any Sunday.
Mail Boxes Please check your Mail Box! Mail left over two weeks will be removed from the box and mailed to you. Bulletins; rosters, cards, etc are all put in the mail boxes; you may be missing something good.
Missions ....." I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." John 4: 35 Jim, Diane, and Benjamin Rude (from Astoria) are planning on taking a mission trip to India. Jim has a lot of passion for taking the gospel to those people. He has been there before and feels drawn to them. Jim is making a return trip to India because of souls in darkness. Many, whom he taught on earlier trips, upon hearing about Jesus repented and obeyed. This has fired a passion and enthusiasm for taking the gospel to a nation of people looking for hope. Poverty is predominant and health care accessibility and treatment drugs are minimal in India. This year Diane will accompany him, putting her nursing skills to work for the Lord's glory. We can be of help to her by sending items we take for granted, such as aspirin. A list of needs will be placed in the foyer next week. They are seeking funds to allow them to make this trip possible. Those willing to assist Jim and Diane with a financial contribution may place checks in the Dalton Gardens contribution. Be sure to note INDIA MISSION. We know it is for Jim and Diane. Our I.R.S. rules don't look kindly at giving to a named individual.
Calendar Of Events Dec 09 - Ornament
Party, Karmen Rouse's House
Prayer concerns Please continuing praying for Shari Swaim as she undergoes radiation treatments and waits for surgery. Jack Almond (Jim's brother) needs our prayers as he is suffering with Cancer and is having radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Bobbi Smetak (Jo Allen's sister) needs our prayers; she was traveling in Mississippi and visiting friends; and suffered chest pain; and is now recovering from by-pass surgery. Mitchell James (Carol Fredrickson's Father) had a stroke and is in the hospital in Montana in serious condition. Please include him and Carol in your prayers. Myrtle Cornett, Opal Wilson's sister, is in the hospital with heart problems. She would appreciate your prayers on Myrtle's behalf. Continue Praying For... Mark & Mandy Mood* Howard Rude Sr. * Edith McDonnell, Alyssa's stepmother's mother* Paul Kulinsky, Heather Rude's father * The Togo Team * Ruth Musgrave, sister of Steve & Tim Frahm * Anita Haman * Our missionaries * Doris Dingman
Mike's Memos RELIGIOUS MOBILITY Mobility has become a way of life in our society. People are constantly on the move. This instability has invaded religious structure as well. It becomes ever more common for people to leave one church to attend the other one down the street, or even to change from one religion to another. A recent study shows the influence of family and relationships to be a factor determining whether or not a person switched religious affiliation. More specifically, a person was much less likely to engage in religious mobility if parents attend and take their children to Sunday School regularly. Are you attending Bible class? Are you taking your children to Bible classes regularly? NEW QUARTER BIBLE CLASSES Our Winter Quarter Bible Classes began this morning, with children's classes studying the character of Jesus. Teen - Adult classes are studying the character of David... how can we have a heart like David? Every Sunday morning at 9 o'clock the table is set with "The Bread of Life". Those who do not partake may find themselves spiritually mal-nourished. We'd like to encourage every member of the Lord's Family to come to the table and feast. A good solid diet will build stable spiritual lives and homes. HELP WANTED!!! Debbie Yanzick is doing a wonderful job of coordinating our Bible Hour Program, but it takes a "crew" to keep those kids busy for an hour. She's had some very good helpers, but needs people for the months of January and February. Parents/ Grandparents, if everyone who sends kids to Bible Hour would volunteer for only one month, Debbie would have more help than is needed. She'd love that problem! Who'll be the first to volunteer?
Ornament Party This year's ornament party is Saturday December 9th at 11:00 a.m. at the home of Karmen Rouse. Please sign the sheet at the Kiosk. Each person should make a dozen ornaments and bring a salad or dessert to share. Car pooling to Spirit Lake can be arranged.
How to be the Kind of Person God Wants You to Be. Ladies, join us for an in depth study of James on Thursday, starting January 11, 2001. Sign up for the class at the kiosk or by calling Nancy Callis at 772-6411. Please register by December 10th to ensure you receive a book ($14.50 plus postage)
CCS Corner We never know when we may be reaching a soul. Sometimes our lives and our church building seem to be overwhelmed with the many activities that occur here. The Calendar seems to be filled with one event after another. This is evidence of winning, knitting, and maturing. Every time that someone new comes through the church building's doors, for whatever reason, we are planting a seed. Thanks to all who helped make the C.C.S. craft fair a success.
Can You Help? Most of us are busy Christmas shopping for family and friends. We have been choosing presents such as CDs, videos, toys, fragrances, and jewelry (the frills of life). There are those less fortunate individuals and families who come to our building on Wednesday nights for a well needed meal. When asked what they could use for Christmas, they reply with simple needs for themselves and their children: warm gloves, socks, undergarments, and the necessities of life. Please join LTC and the Soup Kitchen Staff in providing Simple Christmas Wishes for our local soup kitchen guests, who have so very little. Just pick an ornament in the foyer with gift ideas or money to purchase gift certificates (for Target, K Mart, etc. for more personal needs) and return items by Dec. 17th. Money should be returned to the office earmarked Christmas Wishes. Any questions please contact Earlene Reeves 762-8024 or Jeannie Bonthius 762-3080. Thank you for making Christmas a little brighter for others in need.
Hospitality: Most women wish to make their homes a haven from the storms of life, whether that home is a dorm room or a mansion. A Christian home is a miracle to be shared and Scripture abounds in models to show us how. We are commanded to practice hospitality; and obedience to this will lead to the joyful, fruitful life God longs for us to have. Ladies, please join us throughout the month of December, on Wednesday evenings, as we learn the art of hospitality. We will be guided to learn to be hospitable to our own, and extended families, to friends, and those in our paths who are in spiritual, emotional, and physical need. Any questions call Jeannie Bonthius 762-3080. Thank you! :
Congratulations Congratulations to Harold and Donna Long as they have now officially been married for 40 years! In the words of Donna, it is always great to see one old person still in love!
WHO'S WHO IN AMERICA. - Zig Ziglar Several years ago the people listen in Who's Who in America were analyzed. Researchers discovered that it took 25,000 laboring families to produce 1 child who would be listed in Who's Who. It required 10,000 families in which the father was a skilled craftsman, 6,00 Baptist preachers, 5,000 lawyers, 5,000 Presbyterian preachers, 2,500 dentist, and 1,200 Episcopalian priests to produce someone who's listed in Who's Who. However, every 7 Christian missionary families produced a member of Who's Who. I can only speculate on the reasons for the remarkable difference. Surely most of the preachers from the various denominations were men and women of faith, but I believe the missionaries, in most cases, demonstrated a stronger commitment. Their example demonstrated their faith and courage to their children. Also, they probably did not have many things to give to their children, but the mother and father, with fewer distractions such as daily newspapers and television, were probably spending an unusual amount of time with them. The kids had a day-to-day example and a chance to study what real success was all about. Needless to say, the parents were teaching and preaching the Bible every day and felt a unique relationship with God through the person of Jesus Christ. Undoubtedly the role modeling and demonstration of their faith played a significant part in the development of the children. All of us have heard that we teach what we know, but we reproduce what we are, which is exactly what God tells us in Luke 6:40 (NKJV): "A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher." My mother repeatedly said to me as a young father, "Son, your children pay more attention to what you do than to what you say." In many cases, the missionary family had to learn to communicate in a different language from their native language and get along with people of different cultures, which brought about a maturing of the youngsters. Then, when the kids returned to America to live, they had a chance to view the difference in the opportunities in America, and they capitalized on those opportunities. The bottom line from Zig: God's Word is an enemy for depression, an escape from temptation, the promise of the future, as well as a guide, hope and inspiration for now and always.
WEEKLY Friday Night Songfest Everyone is invited to share in a weekly feast of fellowship and song. We'll share old songs, practice new songs, and enjoy the presence of God's Spirit as we praise Him. This is an opportunity to share your talent, or learn a new one, and to help improve our congregational singing. Plan to come, and bring some goodies to share. We hope many of you will want to host this special activity. To find out where the singing is each week, or to sign up to be a host, talk to John Erwin, Mike Reeves, or call the office. TO SERVE December 10th, 2000
Contact Dave Bruner ASAP if you are unable to serve.
PRAYER
HOT LINE - Lynelle
Dehlbom 762-1029
Assembly Times: Sunday:
Wednesday:
Bible Study Groups:
Dalton Gardens Church
of Christ
Church Office Hours:
DEACONS: Win Minstry:
Mature Ministry:
Knit Ministry:
Statistics: WEEK OF 11/26/2000
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