Family News

STUFF    Dave Shaner

Last week was another great week for the Lord and the church here. Several things happened highlighted by the baptisms of Dan and Dawn Morgan. Both of them are very serious about their relationship with God and want to be able to lead their family in godly ways. Last Sunday's attendance was up and was very encouraging. Attendance is certainly not a tell all, but it can be an indicator of growth. We also had a great camp last week at Senior Camp at Prince's Pine. Camp was nearly full and a good time was had by all in attendance.

A question I have been asked from time to time is, 'When, if ever, is it appropriate for a person to be baptized again?' This is a multifaceted question. It is important that a person understands why they are being baptized. Obviously, they need to get baptized for a biblical reason and with a sincere attitude. At the same time, a person will never know everything there is to know in regards to baptism. Most of the teaching in the Bible concerning baptism was taught to those who were already baptized. A person certainly does not need to get dipped again every time he learns something new concerning the subject. If that is the case, we have turned baptism into a mere ritual performed to simply heap us credits. That is not what baptism is all about. God's grace extends even to my lack of total understanding.

Jimmy Allen, in his book, Rebaptism, counts over 20 reasons for why a person should get baptized. If a person got baptized for the wrong reason, then he is certainly a candidate to be baptized again, albeit, in reality, for the first time. Some examples of wrong reasons to get baptized include to join a denomination, to fix my marriage, to make my spouse happy, because my friends were doing it, etc. Many people simply want to get baptized again simply because they don't remember why they were baptized and want to be sure. This may not be necessary, but this is a decision made by the individual himself. I would support those who want to get baptized any time they feel it is necessary and if it is for a biblical reason. It is not necessary to get baptized again simply because I have messed up and want to start over. God lets all of us start over every day. My fear is that whenever a person gets baptized again because he has messed up, is that it produces a lack of confidence in God and His abilities. It also produces a misguided perception that my baptism wasn't good enough the first time. If it was right the first time, it will always be right. If I mess up, I simply need to repent and pray. God will see me through.

Some valid reasons for getting baptized include, to receive the Holy Spirit, the forgiveness of sins, to be saved, to be united with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection, to be added to the body of Christ, to put on Christ, to be spiritually circumcised, or to be obedient to Christ. Even some of these reasons are very similar.

We have one example of rebaptism in the New Testament. It is found in Acts 19. This is a situation where some disciples had been baptized with a baptism given by John the Baptist which was different than the baptism of Jesus. The primary difference was that Jesus' baptism brought the Holy Spirit into a person's life and was to illustrate faith in Him. John's baptism was looking forward to Christ coming. They did get baptized again and did receive the Holy Spirit. They evidently were very sincere, but baptism needs to be done according to knowledge and as a result of faith in Jesus Christ.

Baptism is not a work of man, but a work of God. Yes, it is something we do, but it is not to merit anything. It is simply being obedient to God and accepting what Christ has accomplished for me on the cross.

Good News!!!

The angels in heaven rejoiced as Dawn and Dan Morgan were baptized into Christ last Tuesday evening. Teri Dupey and Anna Crump had been studying the scriptures with them. Be sure to welcome Dawn and Dan into the family of God. They have 3 children, Joseph, Danielle, and Jessica. Their address is:

686 Silverado
Rathdrum, ID 83858
687-6300

David Bruner, Anna and Ralph Crump will be leaving next week, July 7 to participate in the seven day Leader's Training Course for the Stephen Ministers Series. At the training course, they will learn to train people at the Dalton Gardens congregation to be Stephen Ministers. Watch for further information about how you can become a Stephen Minister.

The Priest River church of Christ cordially invites you to join them today, June 30 at 4:00 p.m. in an early evening of congregational singing and fellowship. Please bring some potluck finger foods. Beverages will be provided. For more information, call 208-448-1497.

The annual Celebration Lectureship in Seattle is July 4-6. Speakers include Jerry Rushford, Rick Atchley, Rick Seidman, and Joe Beam. See the brochure on the kiosk for more information.

Those seniors who wish to see fireworks and don't want the hassle of a crowd, you are invited to watch from the Archer's deck. One can see the resort display plus fireworks set off at other places across the valley. Bring snacks and we will enjoy food, fellowship, and fireworks the evening of the 4th. Call 772-0426 for information on where 2789 E. Spyglass is, for those who have not been on that street.

The annual barbecue hosted by Wayland and Mary Nell Lipscomb is Saturday, July 13. Barbecue Ribs and drinks will be provided. Make your plans to be present!

Do you ever feel overwhelmed with struggles? Do you feel the struggles of our daily schedule, emotional issues, physical health, or maybe our spiritual health because we are not putting God first in our lives?

When I feel overwhelmed with these struggles I feel guilty and wonder if this is because I don't trust God enough. That could be an issue, but I also remember reading that we are going to face struggles (re: Galatians 5, Romans 7-8). We have the Spirit as our helper as we face these struggles. We need to allow the Spirit to help us, and not to 'quench the Spirit' with a prideful and rebellious attitude. We need to be praying to God that the Spirit will help us, and that we will allow the Spirit to help us.

When we feel overwhelmed with struggles we are to feel confident. Confident that the Sprit will help us to overcome these struggles ... Confident that it is through struggles that the Spirit helps us to be strong in the Lord ... Confident because the Spirit helps us to recognize that our relationship with God is more important than these struggles. Thank you God for your Spirit!

- Dave Bruner for the Elders

July 2 - Prayer Breakfast 6:30 a.m. at JB's

July 3-6 - Celebration Workshop, Seattle

July 4-6 - Tweeners Campout

July 13 - Barbecue at the Lipscomb's

July 12 - Game Night down in the Kitchen

July 19-20 - Relay for Life - Lake City High School

July 22-25 - Vacation Bible School - 3yrs - Adults

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

Mark Borsheim had knee surgery last week and would appreciate your prayers.

Shari Swaim, as she continues cancer treatment.

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

Virginia Filbeck, as she deals with lung cancer. She will be having surgery on July 12.

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

Tim Finney, Peggy Flanagan's brother, has pneumonia but is doing better. He appreciates your prayers.

Rick Howard, a former member here who is living in the Tri-Cities, suffered a major heart attack last week and is in serious condition in Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane. He is awaiting a possible heart transplant, but current prospects are dim. He and his family would appreciate your prayers.

Margie Dupey had knee surgery last week. Remember her in your prayers as she recovers.

A guest last week, Leigh Charlton, has requested your prayers on behalf of her grandmother, Inez Ball, who has had 2 strokes in the last 5 weeks.

The Frisk family has been suffering from a variety of ailments and would appreciate your prayers. Especially keep Alan in your prayers for his eyes to continue healing from the burns.

Larry Grow has not been feeling well. Remember to keep him in your prayers.

Praise God for answered prayer! Mike Rush, York College's campus minister,  came out of his coma.

Continue Praying For....

The Togo Team*Fred Bonney*Anita Haman*Mike Rush
Sherri Miller*Carole Fredrikson*Steve Lucas
David Morgan*Ray Beilke*Ron Bristow*Mark Mood
Chris Flick*Reid & Carol Leachman*Diane Rude
Dee Buchanan*Louise Birk*Betty Bayle

Dear brothers and sisters, thank you for the cards, phone calls, and especially the prayers while I was sick.

Love you all!
Betty Clemetson

The church of the first century brought people together who were natural enemies and from vastly different social backgrounds. It created an entirely different culture where all people shared a common sense of having escaped from sin.

The church of this century has the challenge of bringing people together from vastly different backgrounds and making them one in Christ. We must bridge generations, economic disparity, ethnic differences, varied educational experiences, different social and family structures, and a variety of stages of spiritual development.

We profess to be a friendly church. But, ask the people who have been in your congregation less than three years how difficult it is to break into the social structure. How long does it take to really feel accepted - a part of the body?

I am pleading with you to change the culture of your congregation. Make yourself and your family the model of loving, accepting behavior. Use your time at church, not to visit with your best friends, but to meet people you do not know and learn about their needs. Sit in the middle of a pew, not on the end where visitors have to climb over you to get a seat. Become involved in evangelistic Bible studies in your home. Write and mail notes of encouragement to those who visit our services. Have new people and visitors home with you.

Let's break the anti-social habits of our culture and let people see that we have been in the presence of Jesus by the force of your love.

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 who cannot afford to attend camp, the cost is only $65 per week. If you are able to help or have other questions, please see Mike Reeves or Dave Shaner.

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 in which you will be 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.

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.

Chili Dogs, Vegetable, Drinks, and Desserts

Chicken Broth and Margarine

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.

There will be an introductory meeting of the Prism weight loss system for anyone interested on Monday, July 8. The program is open to all! The introductory meeting is free! If you have any questions, call Helen Rouse at 772-1808.

There will be an acapella concert at the Valley church of Christ in Spokane on July 14 at 6:00 p.m. The featured singing group will be Witness from Cascade College in Portland. All are invited. There is no admission fee.

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:

Statistics:
WEEK OF 6/23/2002

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