STUFF   DAVE SHANER

As we enter into the holiday season, we have so much for which to be thankful. Out of all of the holidays that we celebrate, Thanksgiving is probably the most spiritual of them all. After the apostle Paul encourages us to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, he adds '...and be thankful.'- Colossians 3:15. It is not an afterthought, but is the basis which allows us to be at peace. One can always find the doom and gloom side of just about anything. One that is thinking like this can never experience the peace that God wants us to have. A friend of mine was once having difficulties with his job and felt that his employer had mistreated him. It was also my opinion that he had been mistreated. But instead of creating a scene or feeling bitter, he decided to thank his employer for the opportunity to work for him and then asked God to bless this man's business. I do not know how the business faired, but this man went home with peace in his heart. He decided that no matter what happened, God would take care of him and his family.

Too often we let the world determine for us how to handle various 'negative' situations. God tells us not only to 'be' thankful but to 'give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.' - I Thessalonians 5:18. I know that my own attitude has not been what it ought to be lately. It is so easy to let little things bug you that, in the long view of things, mean absolutely nothing. But this is exactly how life is viewed by many. You can choose to let outside circumstance govern your attitude or you can let Christ govern your attitude. Paul said in Romans 14:7-8, 'For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.' As you sit down this week, take time to not allow the concerns of this life crowd out the blessings that God has given you. They really do vastly outnumber our momentary and light troubles. God is so good. He cares for you. Let us be thankful.

HAVE A GREAT WEEK !!

November 30, at 5:30 pm, we will be having an evening worship assembly. All of our LIFE Groups will be meeting here instead of their normal meeting times. We will be doing this whenever there is a 5th Sunday in a given month. This gives our leaders a break plus allows us to get together to learn new songs, pray together, and enjoy each other's fellowship.

The angels in heaven rejoiced last Wednesday evening when Carrie Forbush was baptized into Jesus Christ. Her husband's name is Wally. She has two children a son, Tucker and a daughter, DeLaine. Be sure to welcome her into the family of God. Her address is:

5727 W. Pinegrove Dr.
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815
665-9101

Tony and Laurice Rohrenbach have moved here from Montana and wish to be considered a part of the Dalton Gardens congregation. They have three children Dominic, Seth and Gracey. Be sure to welcome them into the family.

Their address is:

9684 N. Melrose
Hayden, ID 83835
762-5378

'Our church is going to publish a new pictorial directory with Olan Mills. If you have not already, be sure to reserve an appointment time today at one of the sign-up locations. Each family photographed will receive a complimentary directory and a free 8 x 10 Portrait. Because of their proofing system, you will make only one trip to the church. Plan forty-five minutes to one hour for the entire process. All pose selections for the directory, your free 8 x 10 portrait, and any additional portrait purchases you may wish to make will be completed at this time.' To help complete the directory, we are in need of current pictures that you may have of church activities. If you have any current church activity photos, please turn them in to LeeAnn Freshour or her mailbox for the new directory.

As I was watching the snow fall this week, it reminded me of the newness that happens when we are baptized into the family of God. We are made a new creature and start over. Nothing compares to the feeling we receive when we come out of the water and begin a new life with Jesus. It is also great that we can begin anew each day by agreeing to serve the Lord in every way we can. This agreement in made by us to God by the way we serve others, by our praying and by reading the scriptures. Look around you each day and see the wonder of the Lord and marvel at the magnificence of His work. How can we compare our lives before being Christians to what we have after being Christians? Make each day a new beginning and thank God for our blessings. -The Elders

We hope you have been encouraged by your secret sister over the past 6 months. It is now time to find out who she is! Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 13th at 11:30 am. We will be having a potluck lunch at the home of Sally Archer. The revealing will take place at 11:30 with lunch following. Bring your secret sister a gift that gives a big hint of who you are. Please let Katrina Swaim or Kathy Taylor know if you will be unable to attend the luncheon. See you there!

Last week we made the first announcement for the Tree of Giving. We are collecting the wish lists from any of our brothers and sisters who have had a hard year. Please also consider any friend or family close to you that could use some help, and encourage them to fill out a wish list. You can find a wish list on the kiosk in the church foyer and return them to the church office or Loretta Robinson. We are asking that the wish lists be returned by next Sunday, Nov. 30, but will of course still accept late wish lists. For any questions please feel free to contact Kristine Robinson at 691-3718, Loretta Robinson at 762-2794, or the church office (772-0541). Happy Holidays!

Mark your calendars for December 14th from 2-4 pm for the Kids' Christmas Party. The party will be for children 6th grade and younger. There is a sign up list on the kiosk and it will be very important to get your children's name on the list because we will be decorating mini gingerbread houses and we want to be sure we have enough for everyone. Watch for more details to come! Happy holidays!

For the Kids' Christmas Party we are in need of a volunteer to play Santa and a Santa suit to wear for pictures. If anyone would volunteer to be Santa or knows of a suit please call Alyssa Frahm 665-5851.

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

Dec. 4 - Teacher Appreciation Dinner 6:00 p.m.

Dec. 6 - CCS Craft Fair 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Dec. 7 - Begin Winter Quarter Bible Classes

Dec. 11 - Senior Saints Holiday Luncheon 12:00 p.m.

Dec. 11 - 13 - Olan Mills, Church Directory Pictures

Dec. 12 - Game Night in the Kitchen 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 13 - Secret Sister Luncheon 11:30 a.m.

Dec. 13 - Teens Bible Bowl Challenge

Dec. 21 - Shaner's Holiday Open House

Ivan Archer is now recuperating at home.

Pray for Larry & Jean Grow as they travel to Arizona and back over the next three weeks.

Fred Bonney is suffering with pain in his shoulder.

Bea Phippen is now home and doing better!

Bobby Inabnet, Robert's mother, has intestinal cancer and and is not doing well. Be sure to keep her in your prayers.

Continue to remember: Virginia Filbeck, Harold Long, Ake Laititi, Donann Scott, Anita Haman, the families in Tecate, Mexico, Dave Shaner, Sr., John Simpson, Irene Clark, Nicholas Litterell, George Parrish, Lillian Lane, Russ Allen, James Dupey.

There is a cherry red list on the kiosk of requested items for David and Becky Reeves and their family for items they could use when they return to Togo, Africa. Please sign your name next to the item or items you wish to donate by November 30th. There is a box located in the foyer to put these items in. Your willingness to help them out is greatly appreciated!

Holiday luncheon party is scheduled for Thursday, December 11, at 12 noon at Ivan and Sally Archer's home. A sign-up sheet is on the kiosk. Please bring an inexpensive wrapped item for a game of sharing.

Great job congregation for your fabulous donation for the Lifeline of Hope Orphan Sunday special contribution. The total given was $1700! Thank you for your love and support for this mission.

-LeeAnn Freshour

The Keenagers would like to thank the Youth Group for the great banquet they put on for us. The food was wonderful, the entertainment was wonderful and the servant spirit of the teenagers made us all very proud of you. We love you!

Northwest Bible Bowl Challenge - Dec. 13th

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It is often easy for adults to, at least subconsciously, believe that church is for adults. Of course we know that Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me. We also know that people are more receptive to the gospel when they are younger.

When Dan Cooper was here he asked the question, as he does in all his evangelism seminars, 'How many of you became Christians before the age of 20?' A large majority of us raised our hands. He finds this true wherever he goes. Tom Rainer's scientific study of the subject reports that 81% of church members came to Christ during their teen years. Pollster George Barna cites statistics indicating that most people become Christians before age 16. He claims that 'by the time students enter high school, the odds of them accepting Christ as Savior are radically reduced. It is so important that we do a good job of teaching our children God's word, and that we encourage our young teens to fall in love with Jesus and give their hearts in obedience to him.

I am thankful to be a part of a church that supports a strong youth program and does not ascribe to the oft stated beliefs:

*Kids should be seen and not heard...

*They do not contribute to the budget, so they do not deserve a hearing...

*They do not serve so their concerns

seldom come up in elders' meetings...

*They make noise in worship and messes in the building, and cause too

many complaints...

Instead, we love them, teach them, and love them, guide them, and love them, encourage them, and love them, baptize them, and love them, train them, and love them!!!

The disciples made two critical mistakes during their time with Jesus, and some churches make the same mistakes today. 1) A mistake in methodology - They wanted to keep the children away from Jesus... focus ministry only on adults. 2) A mistake in theology - Jesus came for adults, not for children. They were obviously wrong on both counts. Jesus included children in those he ministered to, and in kingdom theology.

As we continue to plant the seed of the kingdom in the hearts of the young, and model Christ before them, we will see a harvest of souls both now and in the future of the Lord's church. (parts from an article by Harold Shank)

There are many concerns' in the course of a school day.' As I spoke with parents last week during conferences, I' remember telling several of' them the events of the week ....Not everything pertained to academics...Although they were all interested in knowing that their child was doing well in this area.' I let them know that my priority is the child's heart.' What is the attitude of the heart?' There are many teachable moments outside of Bible classes to demonstrate what God wants from our lives....One particular student is having difficulty with pride, another with deceit, another with selfishness....With love, prayer, teaching from God's word' and positive Godly role models the children are making transformations...When I see a child display compassion or make a Godly choice when previously they were struggling, it moves my heart and I praise God that I have had that opportunity.' A day at C.C.S. brings many challenges.....but the rewards make it all worthwhile..... His servant, Teri

WANTED: Grandmas & Grandpas to read stories in the children's area of our craft fair.' Also, any dress-up items for the kids to play with on this day.'' Thank you.

We still have craft booth spaces available but they are going fast. Those still interested need to talk to me as soon as possible. Also we are still in need of donations for the baked food booth and the candy store..... Such as homemade food items (jams, jellies, fudge, pies, breads, cakes, etc.) would be greatly appreciated. A sign-up sheet can be found at the kiosk. Thanks! Patty Welter.

Among the many excellent ways we serve our community, the food pantry is one of those quiet, behind the scenes ways we reach out and touch peoples lives. You can help Betty Wilhoite and Edna Miner share our love with those in need by providing supplies for them to stock the pantry shelves. Peanut butter, macaroni & cheese, and canned fruits are always in demand. Almost any nonperishable items you would use in your home can be used in the pantry.

And don't forget, this ministry also serves anyone in our own church family who may need some help with groceries during a lean month. Don't hesitate to ask. Let's always be sharing with one another.

You are invited to come and join other brethren from the region for this time of singing and praising with each other and to our Lord on Sunday, November 30 at 3:00 p.m. at the Valley Church of Christ, 17221 E. Broadway, Greenacres, WA.

TO SERVE November 30^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.

Statistics:
WEEK OF 11/16/2003

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