Why I Am Not A Christian

They put up a booth and offered free cokes and asked them to fill out a brief, anonymous survey about their faith. It's not a scientifically controlled poll, but let's listen to their answers.

All three schools were unanimous on "Why Christianity Does Not Appeal To Me" in the survey. Interested? Here it is: "I'm not a Christian because Christians are hypo-crites." Now, either they met a lot of hypocrites, or have expected Christians to be perfect, or maybe both.

One student said: "A lot of Christians are just going along with the crowd: they say one thing with one group and something totally opposite with another." Ouch! Another: ". . . I found out what goes on in church and what goes on at home are two different things."

Is there someone who has seen me act one way at church and another on the job, with my family, or during a period of recreation and been turned off? Has my language been one that praised God in church and then cursed men on the job? (James 3:9). Has my life been one that draws people to the Lord or turns them away?

Maybe they're wrong. Maybe they're right. But if we let the Lord rule our lives and we become servants, then people will be drawn to Christ (2 Cor. 4:5). Be aware as you live this week how important your example is every day!

Have A Great Week!

"Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth, so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart." I Peter 1:22

Jennie Brown is in Kootenai Medical Center undergoing treatment for her Type B non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Remember Jennie and Bob continually in your prayers.

Steve Lucas, Earlene Reeves brother-in-law, is a diabetic and had surgery last Friday for an infection in his foot. Due to the infection he may lose his foot and leg. Pray for healing.

Eunice Coldiron, Larry and Don Flanagan's sister, had gall bladder surgery this last Wednesday. Let's pray she begins to heal and recover quickly.

Justine Wuest, George Wuest's mother, has been transferred to Deaconess Hospital. She is having a series of small strokes.

Robin Bechtold, Norita Anderson's daughter, has cancer and is undergoing an experimental treatment. Be sure to keep her in your prayers.

Michael Cooper Jr., Susan French's cousin, has been diagnosed with a serious case of leukemia. Her family would appreciate our prayers for Michael.

Virginia Filbeck had knee surgery recently. Remember to keep her in your prayers as she heals.

Opal Wilson's grandson, Rick Caylor, had surgery last Monday.  The surgery went well, but he will have his jaws wired shut for at least ten days. Continue to keep him in your prayers.

Pray for Wilmer Brown who is at home recuperating from mouth and jaw surgery due to cancer. Also, remember his wife, Ione, and his family as he starts to recover.

Jason Litterell asks special prayers for Shirley Parker who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer in her throat and both lungs. Pray for God's hand to be with her and her family during this time.

Please pray for Anita Haman and her husband, Gary. May God restore Anita's health.

Continue to pray for God's hand in Shari Swaim's healing. Keep Mike and their family in your prayers.

Janell Daly, John Erwin's sister, is having some problems with dialysis. Continue to also keep her in your prayers during this time of loss of her husband.

Remember to keep all those who are going off to college in your prayers and for a safe trip for their parents traveling back.

August 22 - Ladies Brown Bag Luncheon at Georgette's

August 25 - Clark Fork/Couples Raft Trip

August 29 - Wednesday Praise and Worship

August 31-Sept. 3 - Family Camp at Farragut Park

September 2 - Fall Class Quarter Starts

September 8 - LTC Starts Again

September 21-23 - Mission Workshop in Richland

All ladies who would like to be a part of the singing group for the Ladies Fall Fellowship on Saturday, October 6 come and be part of our first practice Tuesday, August 21 at 7:00 p.m. in the small auditorium. We will be singing four songs and would love to have you join us! For more information see Georgette Rude or Suzy Litalien.

Make your plans, I just can't wait.
August 31st. will be the date.

Ya, this year we've got it made
The horseshoe pits, will be in the shade.

So make your plans to come on out
A place where kids can run and shout.

Now you may want to ride your bike
Or you may want to take a hike.

Hey this thing is out of sight!
We have fun in the sun, and we sing at night

So lets get Going, and lets get Growing.

See Ya there,

Ken

There are "bucket fillers and bucket spillers." Some people encourage, attempting to fill others' buckets. Too many are "bucket spillers" however, who, due to any number of reasons, feel that since their bucket is empty, it is their duty to spill everyone else's buckets.

Another description is "candle glowers and candle blowers". Know either of these? Some people do their best to blow out your candle so theirs will seem to be brighter. On the other hand, the candle glower does what he can to enhance others and cause them to glow brighter.

Another set of names for describing types of people is "balcony people and basement people". You easily get the message. Some try to pull others up and some try to pull others down.

I thought these were pretty accurate descriptions and caused me to consider which I am. Of course we all want to say, "I am a bucket filler, a candle glower, a balcony person." We want to say that. But you cant be a bucket filler if your own bucket is empty. A person cannot cause others to glow if his own candle is not glowing. And you definitely cannot pull someone up if you are not there yourself.

May God lift you up and provide you with the strength to help others.

"Oh Jesus if I die upon a foreign field someday it would be no more than love demands, no less could I repay. No greater love hath mortal man than for a friend to die, these are the words he gently spoke to me." "If just a cup of water I place within your hand, then just a cup of water is all that I demand. But if by death to living they can thy glory see, I'll lift my cross and follow close to thee."

Jesus doesn't expect any more from us than what he asks. We are blessed with many talents and abilities. He just asks that we use those gifts to glorify him. Are you using yours?

The soup kitchen is in need of plastic take home containers, such as cool whip and butter tubs, etc. You may drop your donations off down in the kitchen. Your donation is very much appreciated!

ICIO - Givens Hall
Mark L. Mood / 23995
#23 Hospital Drive North
Orofino, ID 83544

We are in desperate need of people to help prepare meals for members of the church in times of need. We need to give the people who do it every time a break. If you are interested in helping or can at least prepare a main dish, please give Kathy Taylor a call at 765-8263.

Would anyone be interested in helping Earlene Reeves with the postage of prepackaged envelopes of items, that have been requested from David and Becky in Togo, Africa? The envelopes are sealed and are ready for the mail. Contact Earlene at 762-8024 if this is something you could help out with.

SR SMITH, ROBERT, 1
DIV 385 SHIP 10
RECRUIT TRAINING COMMAND
3301 INDIANA STREET
GREAT LAKES, IL 60088-3127

6872 Rude Street - Dalton Gardens

A new Bible Study is now meeting at the home of Tim & Alyssa Frahm. This is a group consisting mostly of couples with younger children. All are welcome to come and be a part of this group. They are currently studying the book of Philippians. It meets on Sunday evenings at 6:00 p.m. Their new address is 3511 Pineridge Drive in Coeur d'Alene. You may call 665-5851 for directions , if needed.

Other groups can be found listed on the back of the bulletin. Most of them meet on Sunday evenings. A group, taught by Mike Reeves, also meets on Wednesday mornings at the church building. On Thursday evenings, the teen group (TNT), and one in Post Falls, taught by Bob Brown, meets in Post Falls. A ladies study also meets on Wednesdays at noon at the home of Georgette Rude.

These groups are designed to provide not only Bible Study, but a time for prayer, outreach, and closer fellowship. Be sure to be a participant in one of these.