Family News

STUFF     Dave Shaner

The Dalton Gardens congregation formulated a purpose statement a few years ago that we need to keep in the forefront of all that we do. Basically, we exist as a congregation to do three things: Win the Lost to Christ, Mature the Saved, and to Knit the Body together. It is so easy to establish programs that are good in and of themselves but yet do not conform to the stated purpose. Whenever a church is not living up to its purpose, there is the tendency to formulate another program that will provide the "quick fix" that seems to be needed. When emphasis is on programs, the same ills will prevail. When emphasis is on people, peace and harmony will prevail. It is great to have a variety of ministries that help to meet people's needs. However, often the problem is not the ministries themselves but the hearts of the people. The church in Ephesus had many good programs and were doctrinally sound, but their love for the Lord had waned. God is the author of any meaningful change. Simply changing the outside does little to make any permanent changes in the heart. How does one go about purifying his heart? Jesus told the Ephesian church that they were doing a lot of things right, but their remained one thing that needed correcting. They needed to recapture their first love.

Growing churches talk constantly about Jesus. Paul said that he was determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. Love is something that is caught more than taught. But Paul told Timothy that the goal of his instruction was love from a pure heart, from a pure conscience, and from a genuine faith. The more you realize what God has done for you, the more you understand His tremendous grace, and the more you keep falling in love with him over and over again. Maybe it is time that each person do a heart check. You have to be brutally honest. David realized that he had drifted, and only after being confronted with his sin did her realize how far. He asked God to create in him a pure heart. God answered that prayer. No one is perfect. We can get distracted and off course. But let's have regular heart checks so that we can get back on course while it is easier to do so. Satan's goal is to put you on automatic pilot, thinking that you are okay and that you can always do it later. Don't delay - fall in love, or back in love with Jesus now. 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 - Scott Rouse & Don Rude

Dalton Gardens recently enrolled in the Stephen Series. This is a system for training people to do caring ministry. Those training for Stephen Ministry will learn skills and develop their talents for bringing Christ's healing love to people who are grieving, depressed, or experiencing other stresses in life.

Every congregation in the area reaps wonderful benefits from our Christian Camp. The list of only the Dalton Gardens kids baptized at camp would be quite long, not to mention all the spiritual growth that takes place year after year. Members from here enjoy the annual Family Camp, and this year our Tweeners had an awesome retreat at Prince's Pine. Stop and think. The camp is not a natural growth up there in the beautiful Colville National Forest. It takes tons of work to build and maintain a facility like that. Have you done your part? Some from here have spent lots of hours working at the camp, while others of you have sent your kids to camp year after year, and never helped out. Men and women are needed to share the work of cleaning up and fixing up the camp for another camping season. Please make your plans to do your part at the 'work day' on May 10-12. Bring your tools and help us get the site ready for the summer camps. If you have any questions call John or Sandy Simpson.

God works in mysterious ways. We didn't know we needed another water line down 4th street, but we did know we needed some fill dirt for the garden. We got both. The city put in the new water line, and gladly provided us with all the left over dirt. Isn't it amazing how God answers prayer?!! There is still a need for more dirt, and many other things for the garden. If you would like to help with this wonderful ministry, see Rick or Janet Blanchard.

The Elders want to thank all of you who submitted names of spiritual men for leadership in the church.

After these men are installed, we pray that you will support them by praying for them and following them. All of us are human and do make mistakes, so be considerate of that and look at the good these men do. We are really blessed with the leadership we have, so help to make it a joy for those who volunteer their time. Have a good week and God bless each one of you.

- Lamont Petersen

Remember the important Ladies Fall Fellowship meeting tomorrow night, Monday, May 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Jean Grow, 5905 Pleasant Way (off Dalton between 95 and Ramsey).

We need to start forming our committees and planning now. We will be making final decisions on the theme and topic which will be from the idea of our being a light in the world. So be thinking along that line and come with your suggestions for topics, titles, scriptures, etc. Everyone's help is needed to make the day bring glory to God and encourage one another.

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. See you tomorrow night!

Thursday, May 9th, 6:30 p.m. at the home of Joanna Wuest. Bring a favorite fiction or non-fiction Christian book to share about. PLEASE NOTE THAT A BOOK IS NOT REQUIRED. The main purpose of the evening is to encourage one another as sisters in Christ.

Sympathy's

Our hearts and prayers are with Karmen Rouse as she is in California for the funeral of her grandmother, who had been ill for some time.

Our thoughts are also with Betty Wilhoite at the passing of her sister last Thursday.

Let's remember to pray for Bobbie (Craig) Richardson and her family at the death of Randy.

Thanksgiving for the continued healing of Danny Sim's heart and life. We praise God for his response last Sunday and his soft heart.

May 6 -Ladies Fall Fellowship Meeting at Jean Grow's

May 7 - Prayer Breakfast 6:30 a.m. at JB's

May 9 - Ladies Night at Joanna Wuest's at 6:30 p.m.

May 10-12 - Camp Prince's Pine Work Day

May 17-18 - Cle Elum Men's Retreat

May 24 - Senior High Spring Formal

May 24 - Ladies Craft Night, Small Auditorium

May 24-27 - Family Camp at Camp Prince's Pine

Prayer Requests

Shari Swaim as she continues cancer treatment.

Betty Rude as she recovers from heart triple bypass surgery.

Mike Rush, the Campus Life Minister at York College, had a stroke last week and is currently in a coma. Keep Mike, his wife Janet and their family in your prayers.

Carole Fredrikson had knee surgery last Friday. Pray for healing and a speedy recovery.

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

Chris Flick, Opal Wilson's grandson, is still in and out of a coma.

Barbara Davis-Anderson has pneumonia again.

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.

Continue to pray for the Togo Team, their families and their work in the villages.

Jack Pierce is in Wisconsin, caring for his uncle, Ray Beilke, who had an accident. Keep them both in your prayers.

Alfred Monette's mother is recovering from pneumonia.

The selection of new shepherds and deacons

Continue Praying For....

Ken Neubauer*Mark Mood*Fred Bonney

Phyllis Herboldt*Sherri Miller*Lona Workman

Steve Lucas*Jeremy Johnson*Margie Dupey

Thank you for all the prayers offered in behalf of the team that went to Barnaul. The Lord's family in Barnaul send their greetings and asked that we express their love and gratitude to you. -Anna Crump

Please remember my family in your prayers. Thank you for all your prayers and love. -Teen Pearson

My mother, Phyllis is starting to walk on her own now. Thanks for all the prayers. -Dale Herboldt

Thanks for the prayers for Bill Elliott. He continues to struggle with cancer. -Jim & Jan Almond

Senior High Spring Formal has a new date - May 24th. This is for our 9th - 12th grades and their dates. We will have a special formal dinner as only Warren & Lynn Brown can do. There will be other activities after the dinner, lasting until about midnight. Make your plans for a very special evening.

Kick-off 2002 This youth event will happen on May 31st & June 1st, and is the time when we invite the incoming 7th grade students to become a part of the Youth Group. 7:00 - 9:30pm on Friday; 11:00am - 8:00pm on Saturday. This will be most successful if every teen in the Youth Group participates. Will you?

An update from Oscar Nolasco with the Lord's work in LaCeiba where our kids did some mission work summer before last gives a list of seven teens who were recently baptized. I recognize several of the names as those whom our kids worked and played with while there. Praise God for the harvest.

Coeur d'Alene Christian School is shining by teaching the Fruits of the Spirit daily in one way or another.

Love - only in Christian education our students get a real hug, the kind of love God speaks of.

Joy - knowing our families are encouraged to share their joys.

Peace - with our country at war, asking and praying for peace.

Patience - God knows we need it, and provides.

Kindness - teaching God's way of kindness, and putting it into practice.

Goodness - teaching how to give from our heart.

Faithfulness - sharing the prayers that God has answered.

Gentleness - there is nothing better than a hug or gentle word.

Self Control - God knows our struggle with self control, C.C.S. teaches the example of Jesus.

What an awesome school we have!

- Robin Utter

There was a great turnout for the program Thursday night, and the kids did excellent jobs with their talent. Everyone enjoyed the program, and it was a wonderful opportunity for our school and our church. The small auditorium was completely filled with guests. Thanks teachers and students for a job well done.

It can only be good when a nation gets on it's knees to pray. It was gratifying to be a part of the national effort to bring this nation back to God. We appreciate Russ Allen, Scott Rouse and all who led and participated in the group that met for prayer last Thursday evening. Our nation can only be as strong as it's families and churches, and both of these have been under fire from many sources for many years. God is the source of strength. It is imperative that we spend more time in prayer. Are you??

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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