June 23, 2002

Short    By

STUFF   Dave Shaner

The old song says, 'I'm so glad I'm a a part of the family of God!' Last Wednesday evening's fellowship and singing was especially meaningful. The Neubauer family said their goodbyes as they have now officially moved to Montana. I saw several tears among the church family knowing that they would be gone. Both Bobbie, Ken, and their children were a great encouragement to many people.

Jesus said, "I tell you the truth," Jesus replied, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields--and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life. - Mark 10:29-30. The reason we are family is not because we see everything the same. We do not. It is not because everyone is of the same socio-economic status. We are not. It is not because we have the same church background. We do not. The reason we are related is because we have the same father. Despite the closeness or lack of it feel in our earthly families, in many ways the family we share in Christ goes even deeper. The fellowship of believers is the most beautiful family in the world! I have traveled in 49 states (Alaska here I come). I can go almost anywhere and visit at any congregation of the Lord's people and there is almost sure to be somebody there that either knows me or knows someone that we both know. It has never ceased to amaze me.

How close do you feel to the family of God? What you put your heart into is what you will cherish and is what will orient your direction. In other words, if you want to have friends, be a friend. If you want feel a part of the family, be involved in the family. 'I'm so glad I'm a a part of the family of God!'

Next week, I will be preaching in Wenatchee, Washington. We have a arranged a preacher swap for a day. Dale Linge will be preaching here next week. Treat him like family. He really is.

Have a Great Week!!

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

-Romans 14:19

A special brown bag luncheon will be held for all ladies on Tuesday, June 25 at 12 noon at the home of Jean Grow, 5905 Pleasant Way (off Dalton between 95 and Ramsey). Please plan on attending and spending this time in fellowship with your sisters. Shari Swaim will present a short devotional. Bring your favorite brown bag lunch - drinks will be provided. See you there.

Getting to Know You Better

Two of your shepherds with the church here are now meeting on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. with a different family each week in an effort to better meet your needs. They will be getting your input and offering ways which you may able to get involved in the work of the Lord's church. So........ when you are called welcome their invitation as they want to serve you. They are starting with the newer members, but if you would like to meet sooner, please contact the office.

The Center of the Bible

What is the shortest chapter in the Bible?
Answer: Psalm 117

What is the longest chapter in the Bible?
Answer: Psalm 119

What chapter is in the center of the Bible?
Answer: Psalm 118

Fact: There are 594 chapters before Psalm 118

Fact: There are 594 chapter after Psalm 118

Add these numbers up and you get 1188.

What is the center verse in the Bible?
Answer: Psalm 118:8

'It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.'
- Psalm 118:8

'Live each day as though it were your last - for one day you will be right.' - Wil Rose

Shepherd's Corner

Have you ever felt spiritually, emotionally, and physically drained? At time, we get so busy in our lives. We stretch ourselves with work, school, various activities, and then we may have just completed a huge activity that required a lot of our effort such as: Vacation Bible School, Youth Rally, Leadership Training for Christ, teaching a Bible class, etc. What do we do next? Sometimes we become despondent and we only listen for God in major ways.

This is what happened to Elijah on Mount Carmel in I Kings 18. It was here that Elijah met with 450 prophets of Baal, and 400 prophets of Asherah. After God consumed Elijah's sacrifice, Elijah killed these false prophets, fled for his life when Jezebel threatened him, and then became very despondent and depressed. God responded to this by sending Elijah to Mount Horeb. In I Kings 19:11-13, God tells Elijah to stand on the mountain before the Lord. there was a great and strong wind, but God was not in the wind. There was an earthquake but God was not in the earthquake. There was a fire, and God was not in the fire. There was a sound of a gentle blowing, and God's voice came to Elijah.

Is this what happens to us after we help to complete a major undertaking? We think we are going to hear God n a big way or major event. Do we fail to listen for the gentle blowing wind? Is this because we fail to focus on God and maybe begin to focus on ourselves and what we think we need? In Matthew 12:28-30, Jesus said to come to him and take his yoke for his yoke is easy and light. Come to Jesus, and learn to lean upon him with our faith. Sometimes we need to slow down, be quiet, and listen to the gentle blowing wind.

- Dave Bruner for the Elders

Priest River Singing and Potluck

The Priest River church of Christ cordially invites you to join them next Sunday, June 30, in an early evening of congregational singing and fellowship. Feel free to bring some potluck finger foods. Beverages will be provided. For more information, call 208-448-1497.

Vacation Bible School

July 22-25th; 9 - 12:00 p.m.

Classes for 3 years olds - Adults

Pre-Registration forms are on the kiosk

Some help is still needed for our upcoming VBS. If you could teach a 1st grade class, please see Kathy Shaner or Alyssa Frahm.

Larry Boy Help - Do you have the Veggie Tales tape that has 'The story of Flibber-O-Loo' and 'The Gourds Must be Crazy?' If someone could loan these tapes for use at VBS, it would really be appreciated. Please see 'Larry Boy' Grow

Calendar of Events

June 23-29 - Senior Camp at Prince's Pine

June 25 - Prayer Breakfast 6:30 a.m. at JB's

June 23-29 - Senior Camp (9th-12th grades)

June 25 - Ladies Brown Bag Luncheon at Jean Grow's

June 28 - Ladies Craft Night

July 3-6 - Celebration Workshop, Seattle

July 4-6 - Tweeners Campout

July 13 - Barbecue at the Lipscomb's

July 12 - Game Night

July 19-20 - Relay for Life

July 22-25 - Vacation Bible School

July 28-30 - Gospel meeting with Earl Williams

July 28-August 3 - Preteen Camp at Prince's Pine

August 3-10 - All-Teen Camp at Prince's Pine

August 11-17 - Junior Camp at Prince's Pine

August 30-September 2 - Farragut Family Camp

Prayer Requests

Shari Swaim, as she continues cancer treatment.

Diane Rude in Astoria, Oregon, is recovering nicely from foot surgery. She broke her foot in 5 places. Be sure to keep her in your prayers.

Betty Clemetson has still not been feeling well. She would appreciate a call or a visit.

Dee Buchanan, Betty Williams' sister, is back in the hospital with pneumonia.

Jack Pierce is recovering well from a run-in he had with a power saw.

Virginia Filbeck as she deals with lung cancer.

Remember Dawn Morgan in your prayers as she goes through chemotherapy.

Louise Birk has been having blood sugar problems and asks for your prayers.

Peggy Flanagan requests your prayers on behalf of her brother, Tim Finney, who is having tests on his lungs. Ask God to heal Tim.

Betty Bayle, Peggy Flanagan's nephew's mother-in-law, had a stroke and asks for your prayers.

Continue Praying For....

The Togo Team *Fred Bonney*Anita Haman*Mike Rush
Sherri Miller*Carole Fredrikson*Steve Lucas*Dee Pierce
David Morgan*Beatrice Monette*Betty Rude*Ray Beilke
Ron Bristow*Mark Mood*Chris Flick*Reid & Carol Leachman
Mandy Mood

Thank You's!

It's been two months since my surgery. My heart and memories overflow with thankfulness for all you've done for Don and myself. I especially want to thank all of you who were at the hospital with Don during my surgery. You were a great support and encouragement for him. Thank you for all the meals, cards, flowers, and visits and for your continued prayers. The Lord continues to bless us. I am getting stronger every day, and thank you for your continuing encouragement. We love all of you and you mean so much to us. - Betty Rude

Mike's Memos

Pray for the kids and staff who will be at Senior Camp all this week.

THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY

Family is so important! Our families of origin where we grew up are usually some of the strongest ties on earth. Who we are was mostly determined by who they were.

The family into which you marry, and which you build from that marriage, then takes precedence over the family of origin. In this unit we develop new goals and dreams. Most people recognize that its strength is the backbone of the church and the nation.

As we are painfully aware, the family, as God planned it, of Mom, Dad, and the Kids, is often shattered by death and divorce, bringing into being the single parent family. Although sometimes unavoidable, we know this is not God's plan for family, despite the current trends of 'choice'. The single parent family now makes up nearly 30 percent of our nations families with children under 18. These families need our special care and love. To survive, they must realize, and we must realize, that they are still a family.

As the poignant words of Steve and Annie Chapman's song states-----

We are still a family
We will always be a family
Though one of us is gone
We can still carry on
We are still a family

And through the daily difficulties faced by all families, and perhaps even more acutely by single parent families, the fourth family, The Family of God, is extremely important. In Jesus Christ we can be, 'members of God's household.' We can have brothers and sisters in Christ, and continual access to a Father who knows what is best in every situation. And, He has the power to bless us with all our needs. Knowing you are not alone, and can share your need with God and other members of His family can be immeasurable help for every family.

BUILD YOUR STRONGEST TIES WITH GOD'S FAMILY! It takes commitment and time.

Camp Prince's Pine

Camp registration forms for Preteen Camp, All-teen camp, Junior Teen Camp at Camp Prince's Pine can be found on the kiosk in the church building foyer. If you are able to sponsor anyone to be able to attend camp, the cost is only $65 per week. If you are able to help or have other questions, please see Dave Shaner.

CCS CORNER - School News

We are currently enrolling for the 2002-2003 school year. (Grades K4-8)

If you would like to help with the 4th of July Parade float, contact Dan Dupey at 772-7118 or 666-0228.

Thanks for your continued prayers & support!

American Cancer Society's

We are putting a team together for this year's relay. If you are interested in being a part of the church's team please contact Joanna Wuest at 772-6247. We are walking to honor Jennie Brown and to encourage Shari Swaim, Dawn Morgan and Virginia Filbeck.

If you are interested but do not want to walk in the event - please be a part of our team by being a prayer warrior for us.

5:00 p.m. - Bob Brown's Tuna/Noodle Bake, Vegetables, Rolls, and Dessert
5:30 p.m. - Potluck Dinner / Bring your favorite dish to share.

Soup Kitchen/Pantry Items of the Week:
Tub Margarine, Tuna

Moved ...

Ken and Bobbie Neubauer, Katie, Aaron
637 Conestoga Lane
Deer Lodge, MT 59722

Join us this Tuesday at 6:30 a.m.

at JB's Restaurant on Appleway

for our weekly Prayer Breakfast

Church Web Site

Don't forget about our church web site! Steve Taylor does a great job of keeping this maintained for us. There is a lot of great information on it, including: church calendar of upcoming events, current and archives of bulletins, prayer lists, outlines and audio from Sunday sermons, local weather link, and a church e-mail directory. Consider setting us up as your home page! Check us out at www.dgchurch.org.

Steve also e-mails anyone who would like to receive Prayer requests. let him know if you would like to be on the e-mail list.