STUFF   Dave Shaner

'It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood. ... Won't you be my neighbor?' An icon in many American households, Mr. Rogers, died last week. He had been a Presbyterian minister, but was mostly known as one who brought joy to millions of children each day. As I reflected on his passing, I was wondering what was it about him that made so many admire him. His television show was not full of excitement or special effects. There was no deep mystery to solve. There was not even any a lot of comedy. You saw a man who simply believed that life was to be enjoyed and that our purpose was to make someone else's life a little easier. Life, to Mr. Rogers, wasn't about fanfare or recognition, but simply living faithful to godly principles. Maybe we could borrow a title from Garrison Keillor and say, 'Everything I learned from Life I learned from Mr. Rogers.' What did he teach? - don't hit anybody, don't hurt somebody's feelings, and never tell a lie. Of course, we need to learn from our mentor Jesus Christ, but some people seem to exemplify humility and honesty. To many Americans, Mr. Rogers was that man.

The scriptures indicate that we are somebody's model. We like to point people not to ourselves, but to Jesus as our example to follow. But people have a difficult time following somebody that they can not see. That's why we need to have Christ live in us so that people can see Him. The apostle Paul, was not afraid to ask people to follow him - Philippians 3:17; II Thessalonians 3:7; I Corinthians 1:11. We need to also not be afraid to do the same. We like to preface this with the phrase, '...as I follow Christ.' which is essential, but do not allow this to excuse yourself from being an example to others. Don't be afraid to set yourself as a model for others to follow. That is the only way that most people will ever see Christ. Sure you will make mistakes and will not execute perfect judgment all the time. God was not afraid to show us the mistakes of his great men of faith. But when you follow Christ, despite your failings, people see somebody that is real and sincere. Above all, live each day in such a way that when your time comes to die, others will look back and say, 'I am glad he was my neighbor.'

It's only two weeks now until our youth rally, and, as always, we need the help of the whole congregation to make this the excellent spiritual event that is expected each year. From previous years' experience, you know that we will be needing housing, for all our out-of-town guests. Please sign the sheet on the kiosk TODAY and indicate the number of kids you can manage. Remember, they will bring sleeping bags. They only need floor space, access to a bathroom, and breakfast on Saturday & Sunday. If you need help with transportation, that can be arranged. As we open out hearts and our homes to others, God will send His blessings to us and through us. 'Give, and it will be given to you.....' Please help!

Twenty-seven new believers were baptized into Christ in the African village of Te and seven in the village of Kpindi. The Lord's work continues to grow among the Kabiye people of Togo. Continue to pray for David and Becky Reeves and the Togo team as they continue to serve the Lord there. Also pray for the new Christians and the new churches.

We are beginning big plans for a super VBS this year. The theme is Super Heroes of the Bible. We plan to learn all about Jesus, Daniel, Esther, and Joseph. VBS is July 7 - 10, but you can help out now by donating craft items to the box in the foyer. If everyone donates just an item or two in these early months, we'll have a much easier preparation this summer! Thank you in advance! Here are some items we could use: child-size blunt-tip scissors, boxes of markers and crayons, bottles of glue, construction paper (any size, any color), yarn, Sharpies markers, pencils, popsicle sticks, felt, old plain white bed sheets, pipe cleaners, and most of all - TEACHERS AND VOLUNTEERS (see Michelle Kish or Alyssa Frahm to volunteer).

Recently a woman was informing me of a tragic incident in which a young boy died. The father was so overcome with grief he knew it had to be someone else's fault and filed suit against the city where the boy died.

Our legal system is developed to punish someone if they are guilty, and filing suit is a part of our system. But isn't it a shame that when something tragic occurs we have to blame and strike out at someone else even if they aren't guilty.

When I hear stories like this, and I'm able to recognize the civilized system we have helped develop, I am very thankful. Thankful that my God is a Father that forgives and loves mankind for crucifying, (yes, killing) his Son. Thankful for a Savior, a Son, who loved mankind so much that while he was being murdered, for no reason, asked the Father to forgive these men.

Don't we have a great God! These are some of the examples he left us to live...... to forgive and to love even when others do things to hurt us.

-The Elders

Wed. Night Classes Beginning March 5

March 4 - Prayer Breakfast 6:30 a.m. at JB's

March 14 -16 - MIQVAH Youth Rally

March 22 - CCS Auction at the Kootenai Fairgrounds

March 28-April 5 - Jr. & Sr. Trip to Christian Colleges

April 8 - CCS Fundraiser - Rescue Concert at NIC

April 11-13 - Tri-Cities Youth Rally in Richland

April 18-20 - LTC Convention in Phoenix

Jan Almond is at Sacred Heart, has had two major surgeries, but doctors have been unsuccessful in restoring blood flow to her leg.

Leo Ebel, Sharon Nirk's father, is receiving hospice care as he continues to struggle with cancer. Keep Sharon and the family in your prayers.

Vince Schwebach, Leeann Freshour's brother, had open heart surgery last Friday.

Mary Grow, Larry and Jean's daughter-in law, is awaiting amnio test results. Pray for a healthy baby and a safe pregnancy.

Virginia Filbeck is recovering from cataract surgery.

Evelyn Stillman had surgery last Monday.

Marie Allen, Margie Dupey's mother, is at Lacrosse rehab center recovering from a broken hip.

Pray for Katrina Swaim as she regains her strength from having pneumonia.

Pray for Tony Rude, as he recovers and heals from an accident.

Pray for Beverly Frisbie, Wayne Frisbie's mother, as she continues to battle heart problems.

Toni Glenn, Betty Wilhoite's daughter, is suffering with rheumatoid arthritis.

Dora Tucker, Ken Huseby's sister, has cancer in her lung, liver and bones.

Jesse Rupnick continues to battle cancer. Prayers are needed for him and the family.

Pray for Dawn Morgan, as she recovers from cancer.

Service Men & Women - Pray for Michael Kish & Steve Howard, while they are away serving our country.

Also pray for the healthy arrival of Mike and Michelle's new little one due in October.

Betty Clemetson is recovering at home, doing better, and appreciates your visits and prayers.

Dallas Miller, Jean Grow's dad, is doing a little better at the Lacrosse rehab center.

Continue Praying For......

The Togo Team*Dominick Sorino*Chris Flick
Joe Jovanovich*Tim Rude*Patricia Kiehn
John Hughes*Anita Haman*Rick Howard
Edna Scott*Frisk Family*Ruby Whittle

Mike's Memos....

The Refiner -author unknown-

There was a group of women in a Bible study on the book of Malachi. As they were studying Chapter Three, they came across Verse Three which says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver". The verse puzzled the women and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out about the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible study.

That week this woman called up a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest in silver beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest so as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot then she thought again about the verse, that says, "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver". She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there

in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. For if the silver was left even a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, how do you know when the silver is fully refined? He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's the easy part--when I see my image reflected in it."

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has His eye on you and will keep His hand on you and watch over you until He sees His image in you.

'Dead Men Walking'

One of the privileges I have, is teaching my four and five year olds poetry. I was surprised just how much they enjoy them. They love them! The children become excited over them as only little kids can. Even the poems that I thought might be boring or the wording too different. Here is a poem that we have shared several times in class.

Thank you for the world so sweet.

Thank you for the food we eat.

Thank you for the birds that sing.

Thank you, God, for everything!

E. Rutter Leatham

What a privilege it is to be able to teach our children to praise God in school as part of our everyday curriculum. We will never know just how much of a positive rippling effect this has on our community.

Lynelle (Mrs.) Dehlbom

CCS Auction 2003, Saturday, March 22nd at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds. We are now accepting items for the live, silent and kids' auction. The deadline for donations is March 14th. Contact Georgette Rude or the CCS office. Mahalo!

We are in need of........baskets!!! Big or small we need them all. Please drop them off at the school or church office by March 14th. Also thanks so much for the 30 coffee cans donated last week. Your donations are greatly appreciated!

Pick up your Albertson's card at the kiosk in the foyer. Hand it to the cashier every time you make a purchase. CCS then receives a percentage of the total purchases each quarter up to a maximum of $1800! For more information see Dan or Teri DuPey.

Thanks for all your prayers for our son Tony. We are thankful he does not need surgery. Pray for continued healing. -Howard & Delvona Rude

Water-packed tuna, boxed macaroni and cheese, canned fruit (pears, peaches) Thank you!

TO SERVE March 9^th, 2003

Contact Warren Brown ASAP if you are unable to serve.

Assembly Times:

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

Bible Study Groups:

Statistics:
WEEK OF 2/23/2003

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