STUFF   DAVE SHANER

It is important that we feed on God's Word everyday. The churches of Christ have always had a very high regard for the importance of scripture in our everyday lives. We are part of a historical movement called the American Restoration Movement. Basically, we are trying to be Christians in the 21st century in the same way as men and women were Christians in the 1st century. Our culture has changed, but the God's message has not. But the question, 'How do I take an ancient text and make it relevant for today?' is an important one. Not everything written in scripture has direct application for us today. Many of the customs and practices of the day are different such as the institution of slavery, the veiling of women, and the washing of feet as an act of hospitality. The scripture was written within a certain context, that we must consider as we seek to apply God's Word to us today. Therefore learning God's will for us today requires diligence in our study.

The most important aspect in learning the scripture is simply to read it. But our approach as we read greatly colors our interpretation. Many want to read the Bible from an historical basis. While the scriptures verifies history, many of the stories in scriptures, such as the parables were never intended as history. Many want to read the Bible as a science book. A scientific reading of the Bible reduces it to a series of laws and syllogisms. Many read it more as a work of great literature, but don't take it any farther than that. God uses many different genres of literature that take it out of the historical or scientific field. While there are elements in all of the above that have merit, God has a story that He wants us to understand that goes beyond my finite abilities. There is a mystery about God that transcends our intellect. There are some overriding principles that needs to govern our interpretations. We need to read the Bible redemptively. God has principles/patterns that consistently show up throughout scripture even though the situation changes. Look for what many call the metanarrative, the bigger picture, that transcends culture. Look for specifics that still apply as much as ever. It won't always jump off the page, but we need to be skilled craftsmen as we rightly study the Word of truth.

This afternoon, 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.

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.

'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.

The 8th Annual CCS Craft Fair
December 6th, 9 a.m.- 3 pm.

We still have craft booth spaces available but they are going fast. Those still interested need to talk to me as soon as possible. If you signed up to make homemade treats for the craft fair first of all thank you for your generosity. Second please have them ready by Friday, December 5 and dropped off by 3:00 p.m. There is still time to sign up if you wish.

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.

As this is being written, Thanksgiving is still not here, but it will be over when you read it. Thanksgiving has always been a special time in the United States and a special holiday with family. I pray that this time has been special for you and your family. As the writer expresses in Colossians 3:15, 'Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.' Let this feeling rule your life rather than bitterness and sorrow. Be thankful in all circumstances and pray daily for the fullness in Christ to come into your hearts. Happy Thanksgiving and have a glorious holiday season. May God bless all of us at Dalton Gardens.

- For the Elders

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.

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. For those who did not participate in this time around, we will begin a new round in January. Watch for details to come!

Kids' Christmas Party

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. We welcome donations of graham crackers and candies to decorate the houses and also of cookies and candy canes for the party.

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.

Dec. 2 - 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

Red Caylor, Opal Wilson's son-in law, had an aneurysm in his stomach and was given a shot during surgery that paralyzed him. He is not doing well.

Ronnie McIntire is having problems with his left leg. Pray that the tests results come back normal.

Ivan Archer is now recuperating at home.

Pray for the safety of Larry & Jean Grow as they travel back from Arizona to home.

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.

Pray for Mark Mood's aunt, Patty, who is fighting bone marrow cancer and is experiencing kidney failure.

Special prayers are requested for two CCS school mothers who have cancer, Tammy Heath and Susan Vetch. Both have several children.

Continue to remember: 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, Daniel Moberg.

I am recovering nicely from the knee replacement surgery. Thank you for the cards, calls, visits and especially the prayers. You encourage me so much. I love you all!

-Virginia Filbeck

"Christmas Wishes for the Tree of Giving"

We are still collecting Christmas wish lists for any of the church family (or friends there of) who'd like a little hand for the Christmas season. You can find a wish list on the kiosk in the church foyer. We are hoping to be putting these together soon and please let us know if you are interested or have any questions. You can reach Kristine Robinson at 691-3718, Loretta Robinson at 762-2794 or give the church office a call at 772-0541.

Happy Holidays!

The Church at West Yellowstone would like to extend an invitation for a weekend of spiritual enrichment and fellowship enrichment and fellowship during the 13th annual Winter Wonderland Rendezvous to be held December 12-14, 2003.

This year's theme is 'Lessons The Church needs to Hear'. Many of the past speakers will be returning, and there will be some new ones too. Registration will begin 3:00 p.m. Friday, December 12. The program will commence at 8:00 p.m. at the Yellowstone Conference Hotel. (There will be an 'early bird' bonus Thursday evening with Dr. Lynn McMillon and his wife Joy for those arriving early.) We will again try to have classes for children ages 4-10 during the adult classes on Saturday and Sunday a.m.

Lodging for Friday and Saturday nights and four meals, beginning Saturday a.m. through Sunday a.m. will be provided for $42.50 per person, but not more than $95.00 per immediate family. This cost does not include those arriving early or staying longer. A deposit of $25.00 is requested to secure your reservation. A 7 day cancellation is required for a full refund. Please call 1-800-548-9551 to make your reservations.

-Thread (most any color, but not serger spools)

-Scissors

-A few pliers (needle-nose or regular)

If you have any you can donate, we'd appreciate the help. Thanks, Betty Williams

The Benevolence Ministry

Is collecting hangers, thread, buttons, and all types of material, old patterns, straight pins. All would be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions contact Irene Clark 687-2209.

If you have lost a medical alert bracelet (Lymph Edema Alert) you may pick it up in the church office.

Hello from Miss Utter's K-kids. I have taught Bible for the month to the K-4 and my class, the Kindergarten. We talked about being thankful. We also had a lesson on being helpful and used the memory verse that we had assigned for the week. Our real helper is the Lord.

'The Lord is my helper, so I will not be afraid.'

- Hebrews 13:6

The Coeur d'Alene Christian School is thankful for your support both physically and financially and especially your prayers. All are helpful to our mission. God Bless you All!

Be ready for tons of fun at our monthly game night, December 12, 6:30 p.m. down in the kitchen. Bring snacks and games. Come join the fun!

We are looking for help with various parts of this ministry....meal planning, cooking, serving and clean up. Please contact George or Joanna if you can help in any way. Thank You.

Don't forget about our church web site! Steve Taylor does a great job of keeping this maintained for us. There is a lot of great information on it, including: church calendar of upcoming events, current and archives of bulletins, prayer lists, outlines and audio from Sunday sermons, local weather link, and a church e-mail directory. Consider setting us up as your home page! Check us out at www.dgchurch.org.

Steve also e-mails anyone who would like to receive prayer requests. Let him know if you would like to be on the e-mail list.

It's that time of the year where we are preparing the budget for next year. All deacons and various ministry heads, be sure to turn in your budget request sheets by this Wednesday, December 3. You may turn them in to the office, Tim Frahm, or LaMont Petersen.

Did you know that the Dalton Gardens church is helping to supply preaching for the churches in Bonners Ferry, Pinehurst, and Priest River. We are very blessed with some very capable preachers and teachers. A very special thank you goes to Andrew Marchese, Ralph Crump, Ray Rayburn, Scott Rouse, Steve Jaynes, and Ivan Archer among others. If you would be interested in being a part of our traveling preaching crew, you may contact Ivan Archer or Dave Shaner.

TO SERVE December 7^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 11/23/2003

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