Family News

December 16, 2001

Stuff Dave Shaner

The year is starting to wind down. Our world has changed a lot over the past 3 months. Despite all of the negative things that have happened, the church is being provided a great opportunity to bring others to faith in Christ. And ... we happen to be at a time of the year when people have a tendency to think more spiritual. Our God has promised us that He causes all things to work together for good to them that love Him and are called according to His purpose - Romans 8:28. God still cares and He is still working.

With these thoughts in mind, ask, 'What can I do to help others come closer to the Lord?' One is that you can invite them to come to our assembly. Statistics show that few people remain faithful after being baptized if they have not been to the church beforehand. This does not mean that you should not baptize people when they feel ready, but it is simply to encourage you to bring your friends and neighbors to church with you. A second thing you can do is to invite them to our special 'Christmas' service on December 23 at 5:30 pm. We will sing some familiar songs that exalt the Lord and remind ourselves of why Jesus came to earth. You could also commit yourself to sitting down with someone in a Bible study aimed to leading someone to Christ. You can do this at anytime, but if you would like to go out with someone first, a group always goes out on Tuesday evenings specifically for this purpose. See me or one of the elders if this interests you. Also, we have special meetings from time to time. We are thrilled to be able to have Joe Beam do a seminar for us on February 10-12 entitled, '"Desperate For God: Satisfying Your Soul's Deepest Hunger.' Be praying for this time and whom you may invite. It will be strengthening for the body here but will also be very appropriate for those seeking to find Christ.

As we wind down this year, we are in a wonderful position to go into next year in high gear. Some new ministries are on the horizon and God is opening new doors all the time. Be sure that you are involved!

Elders available for shepherding:
LaMont Petersen in the church office every Tuesday morning; Larry Grow in the office every Wednesday afternoon; two elders in the office every Sunday 4:00-5:00.

The angels in heaven rejoiced last Tuesday evening as Evelyn Stillman was baptized into Jesus Christ, following studies with Ron Dupey and Lavina Dooley. Be sure to welcome her into the family and encourage her as she begins her new walk with the Lord. Her address is:

8551 N. Government Way #C17
Hayden Lake, ID 83835
#772-5017

Dave & Kathy Shaner's annual Christmas Open House will be held this afternoon, December 16th from 1:00-5:00 pm. Come and enjoy the holidays with us.

All are invited!

This Sunday, December 16, they are out! You will find large paper ornaments in the shapes of snowmen and stockings hanging on the tree. Inside these special ornaments is a Christmas wish from a child whose parents have found themselves in a difficult spot this Christmas season. The congregation has already shown its tremendous generosity. Those of us blessed, have the opportunity again to give a special gift to a child. We ask that these are returned to the church before or on the following Sunday, December 23. Your gifts are greatly appreciated, especially on such short notice. Let us know if you'd like to help, but are short on time for shopping. Thanks Again!! Questions/Comments, call Kristine (208) 457-1815

As you plan your week, do you think of others or only of yourself? It is so easy to get so caught up in our secular world, that we forget about the sick, hospitalized, shut ins or those unable to make it to services on a regular basis. This week I would like you to consider making a visit to someone that fits the alone circumstances. It will make the person you visit feel good and I am sure you will also. Have a great week and May God Bless you and your family .

Lamont Petersen

We were overwhelmed by the reception you gave us last Sunday. We truly thank you for your thoughtfulness and generosity.

Wayland & Mary Nell Lipscomb

Dear Loved Ones,

We want to thank you for your continued prayers, cards, and phone calls. Clarence smiles when I tell him about you all up there in Idaho. We will never forget you and we love you all.

In Christian love,

Lovetta & Clarence May

A BIG 'thank you' for all your prayers. Our grandson, Jacob Sandford saw his doctor last week and got a good report. He is off his medication and has resumed all his activities.... even skiing.

Alfred & Barbara Monette

Many thanks to all who made donations for the food baskets. Your kindness will fill a hungry child with joy and contentment! It is not always realized how many families would have been without on Christmas Day. May you rejoice in the thought of bringing this gift to others.

Special Thanks ....to Jerry Riggs who has been doing our parking lot snow plowing, as well as many 'fix it' jobs around the building. He is one of the many beautiful servants who quietly serves without complaining. Jerry, you are much appreciated.

December 16 - Today - Open House at the Shaner's

December 18 - Morning Prayer Breakfast

December 18 - C.C.S. Christmas Play - 7:00 p.m.

December 23 - Special Praise & Worship

Ralph Crump fell on the ice last week, causing a partially collapsed lung, which led to pneumonia. Keep him and Anna in your prayers.

Shari Swaim has began chemo treatments. Pray for strength and peace for Shari during this time.

Karley Graham has asked us to pray for their family, that God will give them peace, wisdom, and strength to get through this difficult time.

Jennie Brown is now resting at home. Her condition seems to be improving. She covets your prayers and appreciates short visits. Continue to keep Bob and their family in your prayers.

Jimmy Baldwin, 4 month old great-grandson of Edna Miner, who will have surgery to remove fluid from his brain.

Susan French is home recovering from Achilles Tendon transplant surgery. She will be bedridden for at least six weeks. Pray for comfort as she recovers. She would also enjoy a call, a card, or a visit

Jason Hall, Jeff & Sheri's son, was injured in an accident. Pray for his broken bones to heal quickly.

Ken Arnold is improving. Keep praying for him. He would love a card or especially a visit.

Jenny Dupey as she prepares for tonsil/adenoid surgery this month.

Anita Haman is at home now and still is in need of our prayers for comfort and strength as she deals with a lot of pain from cancer.

Bill Elliott, Jan Almond's brother, is seriously ill with cancer. He will have surgery on the 18th. Jim's brother, Leonard Almond, has had surgery for colon cancer and is on chemo treatments. Pray for God's blessing on these men, and the families.

Marian Demas, a dear friend of Carol Fredrickson's, is losing her battle with cancer. Carol has asked us to pray that she will open her heart to God.

Continue to pray for the Togo Team and their families. Keep the work in your prayers, as they visit in the mountain villages around Cara.

Continue Praying For....

*Al Poland * Clarence May * Ron Bristow * Mark Mood * David Morgan * Bonnie Myer * Opal Wilson * Shirley Parker * Cooper Family * Don Phelps * Jacob Sandford * Steve Taylor * Karmen Rouse * Alva Davis * Kenneth Bond *

Mike's Memos

Someone said, 'You are the way you are because that's the way you want to be. If you really wanted to be any different, you would be in the process right now.' Although there are circumstances in which this is not true, to a large degree it is probably true in most of life. God has given us the resources and the ability to accomplish almost anything we set our minds to do.

Proverbs 23:7 teaches that as a man thinks within himself, so is he.

Why are some people so negative in their thoughts and their speech and their lives? Because they choose to be. Why are others positive and helpful, kind and caring, giving and hospitable? For the same reason....they choose to be! There is so much good going on: people striving to fulfill God's will in their lives, acts of kindness, visits, needs being met. Oh, that we could all have the eyes of hearts enlightened (Ephesians 1:18). God has blessed us all so richly.

Now take a good look around----what do you see? Probably just what you choose!

(thoughts taken from an article written by Jackie Chesnutt of Rogers, AR)

Christmas cheer is fun to share, In fact, that's the most enjoyable part of Christmas.... the joy of giving. This Thursday night, the teens will carol their way around town, hopefully spreading cheer on the way to The Simpson's House where they will have a party and crazy gift exchange.

Teens, dress warm, bring a 'tasteful gag gift', have a song in your heart, your best smile on your face, and we're sure to have a wonderful evening.

to Vanessa & Hillary (Phelps) Brown

upon the successful adoption of their new parents, Warren and Lynn. All was made legal and official last Wednesday. The parents and children are doing fine. We are all thrilled that the Browns have chosen to give these two sweet girls a great Christian home.

This will be a study of the meaning of 'Covenant' in a video / discussion format, with Don Rude leading the class. The ladies' and men's 'Experiencing God' classes are continuing, but if you are not already involved with a Wednesday Night Bible Class, this new class is an excellent opportunity for you.

A big thank you to all who helped in making the craft fair a success. Also, another big thank you to all who visited. You make the effort worthwhile. A third big thank you must go to Marci Nelson and Kathy Taylor, who have organized and worked for months so the craft fair would run smoothly. What a fun afternoon it was. I personally got some Christmas shopping done, mixed in with a lot of chatting.

This week is our annual Christmas program. It is titled 'The Angels' Message.' It includes music and drama with lots of talent and cuteness. It is certainly a must-see! So mark your calendars to be here Tuesday, December 18. The show starts at 7:00 p.m. We will see you there!

Mrs. Dehlbom - K4

Everyone is invited to share in the decorating of the building for the holiday season by bringing a potted Poinsettia. You may bring it to the lobby or the office at any time.

....for a brighter Christmas in Togo

Earlene has filled several large packing envelopes with things to help David, Becky, Hannah & Elijah to have a Merry Christmas in Togo, Africa. It costs $15 to mail each envelope. Would you send one? Your help in sending Christmas cheer to our missionaries there would be much appreciated. I would also be great if every member of this congregation sent the Reeves and the Sizemores a Christmas card.

SR Bonthius, Jeffrey W     Edna Miner
DIV 074 SHIP 02            17062 Sandra Lee St.
Recruit Training Command   Huntington Beach, CA 92648
3301 Indiana St.
Great Lakes, IL 60088-3127

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