Bulletin - December 22, 2002

As we near the end of the year, I am reminded of all of the blessings that God has given to us. Of course, at this time of the year, we are reminded of the blessing of Jesus coming to the world and being a part of our lives. This is a time to enjoy family. We will not be meeting next Wednesday, December 24. The following week will be New Year's Eve. We will not be having our regular Bible study time that evening but will be having a special New Year's Eve Fellowship beginning at 7 pm. Be sure to bring your family and friends to this event. The elders and deacons met last week to finalize our upcoming 2003 budget. The economy of our area likely contributed to us not meeting this year's budget, but God still enabled us to do many great things. In addition to our ongoing programs, we had a Spring meeting with Joe Beam, a youth rally, a Ladies Fall Fellowship, and a Friendship Evangelism Seminar. All of these were very beneficial. We had 27 souls that were baptized into Christ. Our Soup Kitchen not only fed the hungry but gave many people a great place to serve others. The CDA Christian School also served both the church and the community. Also, we do not wish to omit the things that God is doing in your individual lives as you draw closer to him. Indeed we have been blessed.

We have several opportunities planned for next year to strengthen the church as well as reach out to the community. One of these is a 'Marriage Matters' seminar February 16-19 with Jerry and Lynn Jones. This can be a great outreach tool besides the benefit it will mean to the marriages within the church. We also have nearly doubled the students that we have in LTC (Leadership Training for Christ). We also have a Financial Management Seminar with Steve Diggs scheduled for early May. I say all this because some of these will require more financial output than normal in the early part of the year. Please consider, as the year ends, a special gift to help offset these expenses. You may wish to consider your tax status especially if you are close to changing tax brackets.

Let's enjoy the holidays and look forward to what God will do through us this next year.

Don Rude's Bible Study will meet tonight at the home of Lynn and Warren Brown. A meal starting at 5 p.m. will precede the study. Pizza, salad, and dessert will be provided. Call 772-9556 for directions.

We will be leaving tomorrow morning at 6 am to go to Schweitzer Mountain for a day of skiing and snowboarding. We checked with the mountain and they have now opened. Thursday's ski report said the front side has a lot of snow while the backside is only open to the bottom of chair 6. More snow is expected before Monday. If you have not signed the list and wish to go, please let Dave Shaner or Mike Reeves know right away. We have to call in the number of snowboarders and skiers. We request that you pay on the bus so please have exact change. We request that those not riding the bus to please pay Dave before the bus leaves. The cost includes lessons. Many have asked if they have to take lessons. The answer is 'Yes' if you want to get these prices as the tickets have been purchased through the ski school not the ticket office. The lessons are one hour long. You will be divided up into groups of equal ability. The prices below are for a one hour lesson plus an all day lift ticket. We plan on returning between 6-6:30 pm. If you have questions, ask Dave Shaner. There is a sign-up form on the kiosk.

The Elders, Deacons and Ministers had an opportunity to meet on December 14, to discuss the budget for 2003. It seems we struggle with how we do things maybe because we do not give God credit for us to step out in faith. Do we set the figure on 2002 average giving, or do we step out in faith and set the figure on what we need to do?

How can you help? The quick answer is to give more, the correct answer is to set in your heart how you want to help. You can give, pray, fellowship, study, visit others, encourage and or who knows how many ways. We will share with you more when we have our congregational meeting in January. Until then continue to pray for the work of the church. -The Elders

Come and have fun creating your own banana split!! Or play glow marbles with the kids.... Watch a movie on the big screen. Or you can just have fun around the bonfire... Don't forget to play (BINGO)!!!! Please call if you have any ideas or prizes to donate for Bingo. ASK FOR GEORGE 772-6247

Do you like to play board games, card games, dominos, etc.? Please bring snacks and drinks. Bring any games you'd like to play. If you are a family with children, come and bring the little ones. Just be sure to bring an activity for them so they will have fun while you are having your fun. Game night will be Friday, Jan. 10, at 6:30 p.m. in the kitchen.

This year's Tweeners Retreat is planned for January 24-26th, at Camp Princes Pine. Scott Rouse has already agreed to be our speaker for the weekend. If you did not go last year, make your plans for this year. You will have a blast. The whole family is invited. We will have several special times of Bible study while the children are being watched. Also, plan on group games, individual games, singing, camp fires, good food, warm beds, lots of sledding and snow fun. The cost will be $30 per family and $20 for singles. Of course we need lots of help getting all of this to happen, so please pitch in. This is a great time for family fun! See Tim or Alyssa Frahm for more information.

John Hughes, Karmen's step-dad, has advanced prostate cancer. He will soon be starting daily treatments.

Wade & Mary Grow, Larry & Jean's son and daughter in-law, are expecting a baby in July. Prayers are requested for a safe pregnancy and healthy baby.

Christen Johnson, Tim Frahm's niece, is involved in a gang in El Paso, Texas.

Mandi Ward, Clara Ward's granddaughter, is back in the hospital. Her treatments are not working as expected.

Jack Pierce is in pain at home following a fall resulting in a cracked clavicle, ribs and bruises.

John Santos, Joyce Erwin's father, is in the hospital in Glendale, Arizona. Last Friday he underwent triple bypass surgery.

Lorraine Johnson, a friend of the Welters, is having surgery on Monday at Deaconess for an aneurysm in an artery. Visits would be appreciated.

Geri Gwin is doing slightly better at home but is still quite weak. She is needing our prayers.

Anita Haman, Teen Pearson's daughter, is having blood transfusions regularly.

The condition of Edna Hale, Wendy Lansford mother, is now improving from her accident.

Leo Ebel, Sharon Nirk's father, is suffering with lung cancer and the prognosis is not good.

The Togo Team*David Morgan*Mark Mood
Rick Howard*Zach Shaner*Dallas Miller*Sharon Clayton
Chris Flick*Joe Jovanovich*Rod Hopkins

The sympathy of this church family goes to Rae Killingbeck and her family at the passing of her mother Ruth Shafer. Keep them in your prayers.

Christmas time is a joy filled time. The brisk weather, the hustle and bustle of the business of everyone getting ready for the special event, the holiday foods, the anticipation of giving and receiving, the coming and going of friends and family, the decorations.... lights, trees everywhere, all go together to build a festive, enthusiastic atmosphere of joy and good will. It truly is for most everyone a time of high spirits and happiness.

For many, Jesus is the very core of Christmas. Because he is the central focus of my life, my joy springs from him. When I sing the carols, he is not a baby in a manger in a far away land, but he's alive in my heart; he's real in my life.

There's nothing wrong with the buying and giving and receiving of beautifully packaged gifts as we share the spirit of Christmas. All of these can be / should be reminders of the wonderfully wrapped gift of God's love, all tied up in the Savior who was born in Bethlehem some 2000 years ago.....but who lives today in his church and in the hearts of all who obey and follow him.

It is sad, however, when we allow Madison Avenue and corporate America to cover Christmas with the tinsel of commercialization and greed. Many people buy into and get caught up in a promotional spending spree atmosphere from Halloween to New Year's Day. It often makes Jesus a symbol / a reason for overspending and debt. It tries to make him the focus of a frenzied multitude of people bent on buying and giving with little or no thought of the greatest gift they have, and the greatest gift they can give.

Yes, Christmas is, and should be a beautiful season with a spirit that would last all year through. Yes, it reminds us of a baby born in a manger so long ago in a far away place. The season is good and the reminder is good, but it's true richness is in my life as I walk daily with my Savior. I must not allow Jesus to be a baby Away In A Manger. He must be my constant companion throughout the year.

Leadership Training for Christ Opportunities for all 3rd - 12th graders every Sunday evening from 5:30 - 7:00.

Bible Challenge - Matthew's Gospel for all 3rd - 12th graders 6:30 - 7:30 every Wednesday Night.

Friday Night Youth Group 7:00 - 8:30pm Activities hosted in parents' homes or at the church building. We would also welcome opportunities to come to other church member's homes. We are thankful to Shelby & Kelsy Nirk's family for hosting us this past Friday night for the teen Christmas party.

What's happening? There is excitement in the air! Giving is a constant around here. We are excited to be able to give and we are thankful for YOUR giving. As I looked around at the Silverlake Mall Sunday during their "Evening of Giving", I saw many familiar faces...Some were parents, students, and their families... others were my brothers and sisters from Dalton Gardens. This was just another reminder of just how blessed I am to be a part of this family. It was fun to visit and shop. This event was a real success!

We are teaching the children to be givers too. Last week, Mrs. Utter taught the children to give from the heart as they recited their verse and contributed toward buying a gift for someone in need. Also, each student from the school brought canned goods for the food bank in Hayden and the church pantry.

Thank you, church family, for your prayers and inquiries for my father, Mitchell James. He has been through a lot the last two years since his stroke and I'm so grateful to all of you for helping me through this. His infection is almost gone and he should be able to go home for Christmas. Your sister in Christ,

It is so exciting to see all of the beautifully wrapped gifts that have been brought for those in need. These and the food boxes will provide a wonderful Christmas. May your hearts be warmed on Christmas morning when you think of the happy child and parents who are enjoying your precious gift. Thank you and a very Merry Christmas!

Sears Elite side by side refrigerator. 1 year old, off white, $700. Call Fred and Opal Bonney 659-0353.

Song Leader: John Erwin

Opening Prayer: Larry Slate

Closing Prayer: Lamont Petersen

Scripture: Russ Allen

Offering: Howard Rude, Jr.

Lord's Supper: Paul Swaim

Robert Frisk

Nathan Frisk

Larry Grow

Adam Welch

Ushers: Eldon Rude

Mike Haas

Rick Blanchard

Greeters: Pat Irmer & Annette Aiello

Announcements: Lamont Petersen

Audio: Steve Taylor

Computer: Steve Howard

Lock-Up Building: Jack Pierce

Contact Warren Brown ASAP if you are unable to serve.

December 29^th January 5^th

Nursery: Kim Howard Karley Graham

Helpers: Brandi Welter Dawn Knife

PRAYER HOT LINE - Lynelle Dehlbom 762-1029
Email Prayer Hot Line - prayers@dgchurch.org
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:

Ralph Crump PF - Thursday 7:00 PM 773-6945

Dan Dupey Cd'A - Sun 5:30 PM 666-0228

John Erwin Spirit Lake - Sun 6:00 PM 683-7001

Mike Reeves Building - Wed 10:00 AM 762-8024

Don Rude / Warren Brown DG - Sun 5:30 PM 772-5532

Dave Shaner Bldg - Sun 5:30 PM 765-8524

Mike Swaim Hayden - Sun 5:00 PM 772-4341

Paul Swaim (college age) Cd'A - Sun 7:00 PM 676-0354

Jeff & Sharon Nirk (Teens) Various - Friday 7:00 PM 691-9447

Dalton Gardens Church of Christ
6439 N. 4th Street
Dalton Gardens, Idaho 83815
(208)772-0541
Fax # 772-2963
E-mail: office@dgchurch.org
web site: http://www.dgchurch.org/

Church Office Hours:
8:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday-Friday
Closed daily from noon-1:00
Phone messages can be left any time.

ELDERS: PREACHER:

David Bruner 667-2943 Dave Shaner 765-8524

Ralph Crump 773-6945

Larry Grow 664-3522 YOUTH MINISTER:

LaMont Petersen 777-4309 Mike Reeves 762-8024

Scott Rouse 623-4203

Don Rude 772-5532

Mike Swaim 772-4341

DEACONS:

Mark Borsheim 772-8183 Warren Brown 772-9556

- Leadership Training for Christ - Assembly Management

- Missions / World Bible School - Greeting & Ushering

Scott Dehlbom 762-1029 Tim Frahm 665-5851

- Benevolence - Tweeners

- Prayer - Finance

Arrty Rude 755-6409 John Simpson 687-5822

- College Age - Building & Grounds

- Bible Hour - Senior Saints

- Education George Wuest 772-6247

- Family - Fellowship

Steve Taylor 765-8263 - Men's Activities

- Audio / Visual - Women's Activities

- Statistics - Soup Kitchen

Baptisms, Year to Date - 27

Statistics:
WEEK OF 12/15/2002

Attendance:

Assembly 213

Bible Classes 120

Wednesday Bible Study 73

Bible Study Groups 130

Contribution:

Current $6,346.56

Goal $4,561.00

Average $4,084.00

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