Family News

STUFF     Dave Shaner

Last Tuesday, we celebrated the life of Jennie Brown in a memorial service. So many people helped either by being a part of the singing group, running the sound and video, setting up the building, helping cleanup, along with the many who helped by bringing food. Many others helped the Brown family in many ways throughout this time. Altogether, it was a very special evening. A special thanks goes to George Wuest, Jared Wuest, Steve Taylor, Paul Swaim, and Mike Swaim who ran some video and audio feeds from the large auditorium to the small auditorium so that we now project the service from one into the other.

There were many remarks made to me personally that commented on who we are as a church family. One gentleman, in particular, who was from a different church in Washington, said, 'I have been going to church all of my life and have always worshipped with musical instruments. And knew that some churches of Christ did not. However, never in all my life have I heard such beautiful singing. I could actually hear the voices and the harmony was beautiful. Now I know why you are so insistent on singing this way.' What a wonderful comment from one not of our fellowship. It is true that there are advantages to singing a capella (literally, in the style of the church). For many it is a preference and for many it is a conviction. But the reason for singing this way goes back to our roots. The churches of Christ have a heritage of going back to the Bible to seek to do New Testament things in New Testament ways. We seek to be just a Christian. We seek to be a Christian in the 20th century like Christians were in the 1st century. This does not mean that we do everything right. Neither did they do so in the 1st century. This does not mean that we have the right Bible understanding on everything as well. What we do know, however, is that the Christians in the New Testament sang a capella during their assembly worship time. This is a part of history.

While honest truth seekers may come to different conclusions, the restoration principle seeks to use the New Testament as a blueprint for all generations. It is true that we still face the task of communicating the ancient message in a modern day, but that does not mean that truth accommodates itself to culture. Rather, we must use modern methods to communicate the ancient truths in such a way that it does not compromise God's Word.

What we do know in regards to instrumental worship is this. Instruments or music were readily available. The early Christians did not use it. Nearly all of the reformation leaders, including Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox, and Ulrich Zwingli rejected its acceptance. The Greek Orthodox still does not use it because, in their words, 'no instrument is as beautiful as the human voice.' I also realize that history is not equal with the Word of God. God's Word is silent on the issue in the New Testament. I can not make a 'thus saith the Lord' where God has not clearly spoken. But the scriptures are not silent on encouraging each other through our voices in song. Instruments of music while enjoyable and an aid to some can also be a hindrance to others. Very few things encourage me more than to be with brothers and sisters in Christ who are lifting their voices in praise to God. By the way this can take place at any time not just in the assembled worship.

Have a Great Week!!

Elders available for shepherding:
LaMont Petersen is in the church office every Tuesday morning; Larry Grow is in the office every Wednesday afternoon; two elders are in the office every Sunday 4:00 - 5:00.
This week - Larry Grow & David Bruner

The angels in heaven rejoiced last Sunday when Amber Anderson became a Christian when she was baptized into Jesus Christ. Amber is the daughter of Aleta and Bruce Anderson. Be sure to welcome Amber into the family of God.

Tawnya O'Keefe would like to be recognized as a working member of the Dalton Gardens church body.

She has been a Christian for about 23 years. She has three children, Adam, Josh, Kendra. Be sure to welcome them into the family here.

Their address is:

5060 Inverness Dr.
Post Falls, ID 83854
(208) 699-0161

It is only 6 months until our 2002 Ladies Fall Fellowship. We have an exciting speaker for this year but need to decide on the theme and topic. We need to start forming our committees and planning now. Everyone's help is needed to make the day bring glory to God and encourage one another.

To this end we will have an important meeting tomorrow night, Monday, April 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Jean Grow, 5905 Pleasant Way (off Dalton between 95 and Ramsey). Please plan on attending and being involved, whether heading a committee, or just being a helper, you are needed. Be thinking how you want to help. Remember the purpose of the Ladies Fall Fellowship:

1. To involve our ladies in working together to serve the Lord and draw closer to one another.

2. To be an encouraging, uplifting day and growing time for our sisters as Christian women.

3. To be a non-threatening time to share Christ with our non-Christian family and friends.

4. To bring glory to God.

See you tomorrow night!

Manna International is asking all churches of Christ to participate in the 19th Annual Day of Prayer & Fasting on June 2. This congregation took part last year and the Elders are again encouraging members to participate.

We are asking members of this congregation to:

(1) Join with churches of Christ around the world in a special day of Prayer for the poor and suffering.

(2) Skip one meal during that day.

(3) Donate the money saved in a special contribution on June 2.

In addition, next week we will be publishing in our bulletin a 'Family Giving Calendar' to be used in May to help us focus on our blessings. Please add this worthy effort to your prayers.
- Larry Grow

We are beginning a Prism weight loss group here at the building. You are invited to a free introductory class to be held Thursday, April 18, at 5:30 p.m.

I hope that you chose to come! Any questions? Call Helen Rouse at 772-1808. Feel free to bring a friend! 'It works!'

It is that time of year again! The Men's Christian League softball season will be starting up again soon. A sign up sheet is located on the kiosk in the foyer. See Arrty Rude or Steve Taylor for more information.

April 9 - 25 - AIM Team in Barnaul, Siberia

April 16 - Prayer Breakfast 6:30 a.m. at JB's

April 18 - 6:30 p.m. - CCS Science Fair, Small Auditorium

April 20 - CCS Auction at the Fairgrounds

April 26 - 6:30 p.m. - Ladies Craft Night, Small Auditorium

April 27 - Tweeners Game Night at the Howards'

Prayer Requests

Shari Swaim as she continues cancer treatment.

Bill Elliott, Jan Almond's brother, has been ill due to chemotherapy and radiation treatments for cancer.

Margie Dupey as she heals from eye surgery.

Barbara-Davis Anderson, Bobbie and Joleen Reeves' grandmother is doing better and is now living at the Life Care Center in Coeur d'Alene.

Ron Bristow, Mae Fultz's son, is struggling with cancer. Remember to keep their family in your prayers.

Anita Haman Please pray for comfort from the pain the cancer is causing.

Ray & Karen Rayburn ask for prayers for their safety as they travel to Tulsa, Phoenix, and Pepperdine.

Sally Archer as she is in Fairbanks, Alaska and for a safe return home this coming Tuesday.

Continue to pray for the Togo Team, their families and their work in the villages. Dave and Becky are both struggling with bad colds as a result of the dust and very hot temperatures....from 100 to 115 degrees.

The selection of new shepherds and deacons

Continue Praying For....

AIM Team in Barnaul*Ken Arnold*Larry Moberg

Phyllis Herboldt*Sherri Miller*Lona Workman

Betty Wilhoite*Mark Mood*Steve Lucas

Jeremy Johnson*Bob Brown & Family

Thank you, my wonderful church family, for all your prayers. I felt everyone of them.

-Betty Wilhoite

Dear Sister & Brothers,

I want to thank you for all your prayers for me and my sister Genevieve. She said 'thank you so much' and because of your prayers she feels great.

It is wonderful to have the love from the church. I feel like a new person and feel so fortunate to have God and all the love from the church. God bless you all and I will hope to be worthy of your love.

-Bea Phippen

Betty Ford, a former member of this congregation, passed away Thursday, April 11 at Pinewood Care Center. The funeral will be Monday, April 15. The time and location is yet to be determined. Betty was the mother of Vickie Shanley and Sharon Marotta. Remember to keep Betty's family in your prayers.

Remember to turn in your selection of elders and deacons form today!

Teens, don't forget.... TNT, Thursday Night for Teens, has been discontinued for the balance of the school year. We will, instead, meet on Saturday nights from 6 to 8 p.m. An activity is planned at the Bus Barn this week. Call Jeff or Sharon Nirk for information. I'll miss you the next two Saturday nights! Have fun!!!

'Return To Sender' is the theme for this year's Tri-Cities Youth Rally May 3 - 5. Pre-Registration is $12, postmarked by April 26th, $17 at the door. Registration forms are in the classroom.

Senior High Spring Formal is planned for May 17th. This is for our 9th - 12th grades and their dates. We will have a special formal dinner as only Warren & Lynn Brown can do. Make your plans to attend.

Thanks to all of you who came to our LTC celebration program last Sunday night. Once again the kids really made us proud. Actually they were surprised themselves when we handed out their medals from Phoenix. They did not know how much gold they had won. For those of you who missed out on the program, here's their honors in printed form:

Our kids entered 16 different events and placed as follows:

Yes, we are proud of the work the kids have done, the awards they won, but most of all, the things they learned that will help them serve the Lord and will last for eternity.

Turkey Rice Soup, Vegetables, Rolls, Dessert

Chicken Broth, Garlic Powder

The fourth and fifth graders have just completed their quilt for the auction. My class has made a quilt each year since I have started teaching. It is one of my favorite annual projects. One of the most fun parts of the quilt project is seeing the designs that the students create. I give the students specific instructions on how many types of fabrics to use and how many triangles there are per block. Then I let them get creative and design their blocks. It always amazes me how over the years, using the same instructions, they come up with new and unique patterns. I am also surprised each year after the students have sewn their blocks not so perfectly. The seams are not all straight. The edges are not even. Strings are hanging everywhere. I always wonder how the quilt will turn out. Then I start putting the blocks together. Before my eyes, the not-so-perfect blocks come together to form a beautiful quilt.

The whole process reminds me of the church. God gives us specific guidelines for building our lives. It is amazing how each Christian takes these guidelines and creates a uniquely inspiring life with God's guidance. There are times when our lives are separated and they don't look so good. Everything is uneven, and things are not straight. But when our lives come together in the church, Jesus covers those uneven edges. He helps us use our loose strings to help others. Every individual joins with the rest to form a wonderful blanket of beauty and comfort. (Reprinted from last years article)

-Marcie Nelson

We are needin' real pretty decorated home canned fruit, vegetables, potatoes, jam, etc. to fill up our country theme basket.

Keep looking on the bulletin board for new items that have been donated for the CCS Auction.

Ladies bring your not yet started or not yet finished projects to the church building on Friday, April 26, from 6:30 p.m.' til you get tired. Bring your supplies to use and share, plus snacks to keep us going. See you all there!

We will meet at the Howard's house for a time of playing games and fellowship at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 27. Please bring ice cream sundae and banana split supplies. George Wuest will be making a large amount of homemade ice cream for us.

Child care will be at the Frahm's house for a fee of $5.00 per child for the night. You must call the Frahm's at 665-5851 by Thursday, April 25 in order to reserve a spot for your children. This way we can provide safe and adequate child care for your children.

Assembly Times:

Sunday:

Bible Class	9:00-9:50 am
Worship Assembly	10:15 am
Bible Study Groups	5:30 pm

Wednesday:

Bible Classes

6:30 pm

Other Bible Study Groups are offered at various times. Please call the office for times and places.

Bible Study Groups:

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