Family News

March 21, 2004

SHORT  BY

STUFF  DAVE SHANER

The Dalton Gardens church has started the process of selecting new elders and deacons. Forms were passed out asking the congregation to select the leaders that you believe can lead this church for the next two years. Why two years? There is no set pattern in the Bible for how leaders were to be selected and there is no pattern that suggests how long they are to stay in office. The scriptures do provide some light in how men were chosen to lead. Titus was told to straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town - Titus 1:5. In Acts 6, the apostles asked the church to select men that they could appoint to certain tasks. Thus, we see a difference between the selection and the appointing. The church did the selecting while the existing leaders did the appointing. Likely the appointing was a formal process of commissioning someone to formal service. The value of a two year term is that we ask the appointed men to give it their all for that two years. At the end of two years, they are free to step down if they deem it appropriate. Sometimes a man has felt locked into a position making it difficult for him to step down. This gives a man the opportunity to back down graciously while at the same time giving the congregation the opportunity to approve of men to be placed into service or even be removed from service. At times, some churches have felt that a man is to serve for life in that position. The scriptures do not bear this out. Many times, when a man is locked into a permanent position, it can cause him to become prideful because he knows that the congregation can do nothing about it. By having regular intervals of selection, it does at least two things: it can give the man the opportunity to step down to serve in a different capacity and it can give the congregation the opportunity to say “yes” or “no” to a man already serving or to a new man whom God would like to lead.

What can you do? One is that you can pray. Ask God to give us leaders of vision and character who will lead this church for the next few years. Next you need to look through our directory and look for capable men to serve as shepherds or deacons. Next turn in your selection form by April 4th. If you did not get a form, please see the office. The forms will be tabulated and given to the present elders to talk to the prospective new leaders concerning the position and their willingness to serve in such capacity. No one other than the tabulation committee will see who turned in the forms. We are asking you to sign the forms simply to voice your selection. If you have any questions, feel free to ask any of the present elders or the preachers. I believe that we have a very bright future. This congregation is known for doing a lot of good. Could we improve? Yes, in a lot of ways, but rarely will a congregation rise above the level of its leaders. Be sure that you participate in this process. Don’t sit this one out.

Have a Great Week!!!

Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.

- Acts 6:3-4

Good News!!!!

We rejoice in the family of God here with the addition of two new Christians. Congratulations to Justin Muse who was baptized on Saturday, and Vanessa Brown who was baptized on Sunday morning. We are very proud of these two young people for their decision to put Christ first in their lives.

Togo News Flash!!!!

Another new church has been planted in Kabiye Land. 23 new Christians were born into the family of God as the Lord’s church was planted in the Togo village of Ajadaa. Let’s rejoice and pray.

Tweeners Progressive Dinner

The Tweeners will be having a progressive dinner on March 27th starting at 5:15 pm. We will begin at Angela Earnhart's house with appetizers (1611 Coeur d'Alene Ave). Then we will have salads at the Dehlbom's house (3450 Bean Ave). The main dish (lasagna) will be at the Petersen's house in Post Falls (3030 N. Slice Dr.) And for the best part, dessert will be at the Kish's house (624 E 11th St.) We will have a short devo and praise time at the Kish's. Please find baby-sitters for the kid-Os. Also if you could please sign-up on the kiosk, sign-up for salad or appetizer if you are able to bring food to share.

New Ladies' Study Group

There will be a new ladies' study group offered on Tuesday afternoons at 12:30. Our first meeting will be on March 23rd at the home of Kathy Taylor and children are always welcome (and mommies with children ENCOURAGED to attend!) The study is for any woman, of any age, with or without kids! We will be discussing which book we would like to start with during this first meeting. This study is offered in addition to the ladies' group that meets on Tuesday mornings and everyone is welcome at either or both studies!

The Church That Flies

How does our worship compare to the 1st century church? Can we learn from God how he directed Abraham, Moses and David to worship? How do these compare to New Testament worship? To discuss and find the answers, attend our Wednesday class that starts on March 24th, at 6:30 p.m.

Shepherd’s Corner

DO YOU READ OR STUDY? It is time for a Bible reading church to become a Bible knowing church. This includes the rules of good biblical interpretation (which will be discussed in next week’s Sunday auditorium class, “How to understand the Bible”). The teachers’ objective is to move from the reading class to the study hall. In order to do this, we must regain an appreciation for the Book. We must rediscover the value of the Bible. When we have done this, we must replace information with study knowledge. Many of us have a lot of Bible information, but too few have real Bible knowledge.

We cherish the reputation of being a Bible believing church. However, too many of us do not really know why. We get into a discussion with friends and our position is defended something like: “I know it is in the Bible, but I can’t quote it.” Thus our position is weakened when we can’t give chapter, book and verse. We indict ourselves. We must know why we believe as we do! Please read I Peter 3:15. WE CAN NOT BE A BIBLE BELIEVING CHURCH UNLESS WE ARE A BIBLE KNOWING CHURCH.

Obviously Bible reading is essential to Bible knowing. But we must go beyond reading, by practicing meditation. “Blessed is the man...” whose “delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night” - Psalm 1:1-2. Meditation is the key to Bible knowledge because this reflects the attitude of the heart. In order to meditate upon the Word day and night as the Psalmist states in chapter one, we must have our minds on spiritual values, principles (hermeneutics) and application of the truths incorporated and implemented in our daily life.

-Ralph Crump for the Elders

Garden of Prayer’s Needs

Your used coffee grounds to battle the slugs! Please put them in a coffee can in rose area. Thank you!

Calendar of Events

Mar. 23 - 6:30 a.m. Prayer Breakfast at JB’s

Mar. 26 - April 2 - Jr. & Sr. High College Trip

Mar. 27 - Tweeners Progressive Dinner - 5:15 p.m.

April 8 - 11 - LTC Convention in Phoenix

April 9 - Game Night 6:30 p.m. Small Auditorium

Prayer Requests

Patty Welter is still having back pain. She thanks you for your continued prayers.

Tim & Alyssa Frahm ask prayers for the decision process in Thailand. It has been postponed until the end of March regarding the adoption of Nuanna.

George Kane, Jan Almond’s brother-in-law, is recovering from kidney surgery and is awaiting heart surgery.

Marci Nelson and family ask prayer for her grandmother, Ida, as she is suffering from congestive heart failure.

Pray for the Reeves and the Togo Team, that the Lord will continue to bless their work, and that the families will have good health.

Ladies, everyone who signed up to participate in Secret Sisters should now be assigned a sister. Remember to contact your Secret Sister at least once a month! Also, remember there is a Secret Sister bulletin board by the ramp next to the church office door for you to post thank you notes to the Secret Sister who got your name. Don’t forget to check it!

Easter Egg Hunt

We are planning on having an Easter egg hunt for the children ages 6th grade and younger on April 10th at 10 a.m. We are looking for donations of prizes that can be awarded when the "golden eggs" are found. The prizes could be toys, chocolate rabbits, stuffed animals, gift certificates to fast food restaurants, books, etc. Use your imagination! We will also be holding a penny drive on this day with the money going to Lifeline of Hope. Encourage your children to start collecting coins for this worthy cause.

For Sale 20” X 36” Oak computer desk and leather chair. Please call Lamont and Mary Petersen at 777-4309.

Mike’s Memos.....

MIQVAH 2004

“The Hall of Unborn Destinies”

We Thank You,

Another Dalton Gardens Youth Rally is complete, and thanks to the Christ-like servanthood of so many, it was a great success. MIQVAH 2004, made a powerful impact on the lives of about 200 young people plus their sponsors, as well as on those of us who were blessed with the opportunity to serve them and Him. An event like this requires the cooperative efforts of a team of committed workers. It is gratifying to be a part of such a team, and be blessed with your friendship. I wanted to personally thank you for your love and for your helpfulness. The supportiveness of our elders and the whole congregation is wonderful. Special thanks to our teens who worked hard to prepare for and teach the classes. Thanks to all who opened their homes for our guests, who prepared food for and served at the banquet , prepared and served lunches for Sunday, baked / bought cookies, arranged housing, decorated, cleaned, set-up & took down. And, thanks to our young people for being great host and hostesses, and for their Christ-like attitudes. By all counts, it was one of the best youth rallies we have held. God is so good!!

In Christian love,

Mike Reeves

For the DG Teens

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LEADERSHIP TRAINING FOR CHRIST

Phoenix Convention

Only three weeks away!

Please, anyone who can help with one or a part of one of the $276 plane tickets, your gift would be appreciated!!

Experience the Mystery

Imagine if Paul had known that, in 2004, his descriptive words to Timothy on the mystery of God’s greatness would inspire over 4000 souls near the Malibu Coast. On Tuesday May 4 at 7:00 p.m., Mark Love will guide us in an exploration of the mystery of the Divine, thereby opening a week of reflective contemplation on the great themes of 1 Timothy. Share with thousands as we hear this captivating story. Call the Office of Church Relations to request a booklet, or visit us at http://www.pepperdine.edu/churchrelations.

CCS CORNER SCHOOL NEWS

Christian Education Across the Centuries

Once there was a perfect classroom with perfect students and a perfect Teacher. But not for long. Both of the students broke the Teacher’s only rule, and he threw them out of the classroom. Ever after, all students were prone to break rules, and all had to study in an imperfect environment. The fallen students thought they knew the best way to educate themselves - apart from the Master Teacher.

And thus began the battle between secular education and Christian education. Martin Luther King insisted on a fundamentally Christian education with the scriptures at the center.

In 1559, John Calvin understood the effects of providing children a Christian education and how essential it was. I’m very proud of the choice our parents have made to put their children at Coeur d’Alene Christian. Our church and the staff are blessed to be involved in such a special and rewarding ministry.

-Miss Utter

Kindergarten Trivia - Famous Bible Children

This boy knew more than his teachers. Luke 2:41-52.

CCS Auction Note

Keep the school auction in mind on store clearance items to donate - our theme is trains - ‘All Aboard!’. We can use items for Silent Auction and Live Auction as well as drawing prizes. We also can use anything depicting our theme for decorations. The date for the auction is Saturday, April 24. Remember to keep your eye on the school bulletin board in the foyer for more information. Thank you for your support!

BIBLE BUILDERS MEMORY VERSES

For Children's Sunday A.M. Bible Classes

4 years - Grade K:

All the peoples on earth will be blessed through you.

Genesis 12:3b

1st - 2nd Grades:

I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse: and all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you.

Genesis 12:3

3rd - 6th Grade:

I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all the peoples on the earth will be blessed through you.

Genesis 12:2-3

TO SERVE March 21^st, 2004

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 3/14/2004

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