Family News

August 17, 2003

Short  By

STUFF   Dave Shaner

Our summer sessions are now over at Camp Prince's Pine with Preteen Camp having just been completed. We had some new experiences this year such as learning how to trap a bear. We also had some old experiences that continue to edify and build up the teenagers. When I met with my staff for Junior Camp, I encouraged them that camp is not about us. It is about the Lord first, and about the campers second. In other words, regardless of how enjoyable it was for each of us, we were there for the campers. The Dalton Gardens congregation had many counselors, cooks, and teachers who were a vital part of the success of the camps this year. At the risk of forgetting someone, a special thank you goes to Ivan Archer, Mark & Kim Borsheim, Anna Crump, Lynelle Dehlbom, Teri Dupey, Chuck Graham, Adrienne Morse, Natasha Poland, Mike Reeves, Dave, Kathy, and Austin Shaner, and Levi Sisemore. If you would ever like to be a part of the staff of future camp sessions, be sure to let either Mike Reeves or myself know. It is not about us, but you will grow as well knowing that you are serving the Lord in training young people.

Camp Prince's Pine is governed by a board of members from churches of Christ throughout the Northwest and serves the church in this area. Other groups may reserve the camp when it is not in use by area churches of Christ. The actual corporation name is Northeast Washington Christian Camps. Currently serving as our President is Jeff Crow from Kennewick, Washington. Anyone is welcome to attend a board meeting which is about 3 times per year. We have a renewable 25 year lease from the Colville 4-H group for the site for only $1 per year! We have developed the site, but it has also been beneficial for 4-H as well as they can use it at times when it is not being used by us. The property consists of about 55 acres of lakefront property, but it is also surrounded on all sides by the Colville National Forest. We have been very blessed by God to have this facility.

There are many ways to serve God. Camp is only one way. There are many places to plug into God's work right here. Be sure that you are not just standing on the sidelines simply watching things happen, but that you are a part of God's on-going growth of His kingdom.

Have a Great Week!

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

James 3:17

Family Camp - Aug. 29 - Sept. 1

at Farragut State Park

Plan on coming to Family camp August 29-September 1 at Farragut State Park. The theme this year is: Fishers of Men. There will be a contest to see who is the most creative at decorating their camp- site in this year's theme. A prize will be given to the winner. Here is a sampling of some of the activities: hot dogs and hamburgers on Sunday, unlimited snow-cones & cotton candy, All you can eat french fries at 'George's' tent on Friday night, volleyball, s'mores, bike riding, singing at the campfire, a kite flying contest, a scavenger hunt and extreme fun and fellowship with your fellow Christians. Special speaker, Scott Rouse. Make your plans to be there. The cost is only $2 per person per night. Bring your friends. For more information, contact George Wuest.

P.S. Teens under 18 must have an adult chaperone while at the campsite.

Attention Ladies:

Mark your calendar now for a special brown bag luncheon on Monday, August 18 at 12 noon at the home of Jean Grow, 5905 Pleasant Way, ( off Dalton between 95 and Ramsey, phone 664-3522). Please plan on attending and spending this time in fellowship with your sisters. Debbie Yanzick will present a short devotional. Bring your favorite brown bag lunch.

Drinks will be provided. See you there!

Tweeners Last Chance Swim

The Tweeners are invited to the Slates' house for one last swim before winter, on Saturday, September 6, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Please bring salads, chips, and desserts (meat, buns, and drinks will be provided). Also bring water toys, boats, kayaks or what ever keeps you afloat. A sign up sheet and maps will be put on the kiosk. This event will be cancelled if it is a rainy day!

Did you like the concert? Then get the CD! Abilene Christian University's "The Light" has their debut CD available in the church office for $11. Limited number on hand. See Zach or Dave Shaner for a copy!

Shepherd's Corner

I want to share one of my struggles in life. This is a struggle of always trying to do everything just right. To always be present at most functions, to be punctual, to always be prepared to teach, to read scriptures just right, to know all the words and notes of a song, to read all the cards and information correctly, and to preach sermons, teach lessons, and lead singing without a mistake. Striving to do all these things is not wrong. In fact they are commendable. The Bible teaches us to plan, practice, be prepared, and strive to do the best we can.

My struggle is that sometimes I get so busy doing everything right that I forget what I'm doing it for. '....whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.' (I Cor. 10:31)

This passage also informs me that this encompasses all that I do in my life, and not just on Sunday morning, or at church activities.

Do you share this same struggle? Or maybe you share the struggle of expecting others to do it right. We need to encourage each other (I Thess. 5:11, Eph. 4:29), to love each other (Jn. 13:34), and to remember and focus on what we are doing things for.

-The Elders

Men's Basketball League

If you are over 18 years of age, and interested in being part of a men's basketball team. League play starts September 30th in Post Falls on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. A sign up sheet and more information is on the kiosk. See Jeff Nirk for further information.

Ladies Fall Fellowship Meeting

Attention all Committee Heads, Helpers and interested Ladies! Saturday, October 4th and our Ladies Fall Fellowship "Recognizing The Master's Plan" will be here before we know it. Our next meeting for our Ladies Fall Fellowship will be on Tuesday, August 26th at 6:30 pm here at the building. This will be a very important meeting as we pull everything together,

make sure we haven't forgotten anything and that everyone has the help they need. The Committee Heads need to report on their plans and progress. We need you all there as we do the final planning. If you haven't signed up to help or need more information see Jean Grow or Mary Petersen.

Tuesday Morning Ladies Class

The ladies class on Tuesday, August 26 will be meeting at the home of Christine Welch. A salad luncheon will follow. Drinks and dessert will be provided. See you there at 10:30 a.m.! For questions see Betty Williams.

Calendar of Events

Aug. 17 - Michelle Kish's Baby Shower 2:30 p.m.

Aug. 18 - Ladies Luncheon at Jean Grow's 12:00 p.m.

Aug. 19 - Prayer Breakfast 6:30 a.m. at JB's

Aug. 26 - Ladies Fall Fellowship Meeting 6:30 p.m.

Aug. 29- Sept. 1 - Family Camp at Farragut State Park

Sept. 6 - The Tweeners at the Slates' house

Sept. 7 - Begin Fall Bible Class Quarter

Prayer Requests

Betty Wilhoite is in Deaconess Hospital with possible heart complications. Keep her in your prayers. She would appreciate visitors.

Doug Gwin is suffering severe pain in his back, leg, and knee.

Anita Halford is suffering from many health problems. Treatment is being attempted to avoid a leg amputation.

Steve Lucas, Earlene Reeves' brother-in-law, is losing his eyesight due to complications with diabetes.

Pray for continued healing for Jan Almond.

Pray for safe travel for Al & Anita Poland.

Susan Johnson needs prayers for her job situation.

Larraine, Lillian Lane's daughter, is in the process of losing her home.

Barbara Anderson continues to struggle with breathing problems.

Jeanie Smith, Debbie Yanzick's friend, is having health problems.

Kay Bates, Betty Wilhoite's daughter, has breast cancer.

Margie Dupey still has abdominal pain. She continues to have more tests.

Pray for Don & Betty Rude as they travel.

Russ Allen suffers constant back pain.

Please pray for continued strength for Anita Haman.

Mandy Mood is still dealing with painful migraines.

Jesse Rupnick and Family need our prayers for strength, peace and comfort.

Please keep the families in Tecate' Mexico in your prayers as they grow in their faith.

Remember The Togo Team and David & Becky Reeves as they continue to do the Lord's work among the Kabiye people. David's allergies have been especially bad, causing his eyes to swell shut. He continues teaching in the villages. Little Elijah has had a very bad case of malaria. Both are improving slightly.

Continue Praying For......

Dawn Morgan*The Frisk Family*Pat Ward
Brad Roberts*Doris Dingman*Connie Ford

***Free electric lawn mower to anyone interested. See Fred or Opal Bonney.

Mike's Memos.........

A favorite catchword of Jimmy Sites, a youth minister friend, is the word...

'desensitized'

He uses this term to describe the subtle way that Satan gradually feeds us sin, beginning with very small doses. Then he increases them so gradually that we fail to see the harm being done, and we often find ourselves participating in, and even defending activities that Jesus would not be a part of.

This is one of Satan's best tools in his deception of Christians, and he uses it in so many different areas. He whispers that missing Bible class just once won't hurt anything....and then twice....and before long it's just not very important....desensitized! Or, the TV series is pretty good except for one scene or two, and I can bleep it out in my mind, but then it isn't that bad, and before long it doesn't even bother me....desensitized! Or, the movie really does have a good story line, and I know it has some bad language, but I can just ignore it. And then I don't really even notice when those words are used.....desensitized! Or, telling this one little half-truth is not really bad, and then I have to tell another just to cover the first. Next it becomes okay to lie to protect someone's feelings, and then....desensitized! Or, I know the sit-com has some off-color jokes, but I don't let it bother me...desensitized! And on and on it goes. You can write the lines.

Desensitization is a very productive tool in Satan's tool chest. He uses his subtle lies to lure us right up to sin, and then plays with our minds to help us take little baby steps into the pit. Then as usual, when we find ourselves in sin, we excuse, rationalize, and take others with us so we don't feel so bad...desensitized!

Christian parents / teens, why are we allowing our arch-rival to play games with us? Can't we stand up and be counted for what is right and good in God's eyes? Have we stopped asking ourselves, 'What would Jesus do?' We will never be 'like Christ' if we continue to do, and excuse our doing things that are offensive to our Lord. As we become desensitized to the 'little sins', apathy sets in, and Jesus is left out. We must stop graying the lines, see sin for what it is, and stay away from it. Let's work harder at it, okay?

I love you with the love of the Lord!

TNT Thursday Night for Teens - Aug. 21st

The teens will see Fiddler on the Roof at NIC after a picnic in Ft. Sherman Park beginning at 6 pm. Our 'gift tickets' need to be reserved by August 17th. That's TODAY! So talk to me!

Battle of Prayer

'Who then is the faithful and wise servant?'

Matthew 24:45

The battle of prayer is against two things in the earth-lies; wandering thoughts, and lack of intimacy with God's character as revealed in His word. Neither can be cured at once, but they can be cured by DISCIPLINE.

Pray About It:

The word discipline bothers us when applied to certain activities - like prayer.

We want to think of ourselves as such sensitive pray-ers that we will pray often enough if we just wait until the Spirit moves us.

The truth is, sometimes we need to move ourselves into our prayer closets - by the napes of our necks IF necessary - and get down to business.

If we don't like the word discipline, we can substitute the word faithfulness.

Are we going to be faithful servants? Will we determine to win the battle against both the wandering thoughts that plague us in prayer also the lack of intimacy with God that prayer-lessness begets?

Be disciplined in prayer today.

Be faithful. You are not the only one troubled by wandering thoughts.

Our mind constantly wanders, but our will is the mistress of our faculties and must recall the mind and bring it back to God as often as necessary.

Come join us Tuesday morning at 6:30 a.m. at JB's Restaurant on Appleway and be encouraged by more uplifting thoughts.