Family News

November 28, 2004

SHORT  BY
STUFF   DAVE SHANER

We are now officially into the holiday season. How many of you dared the traffic and the crowds to start their Christmas shopping last Friday? Maybe a better question is, 'Have you paid off last year's Christmas?' This really is a wonderful time of year. But then again, anytime is right to praise the Lord. Thankfulness needs to be an earmark of the Christian life. Do you have that all important attitude of gratitude?

So often, we like to talk about our problems. Even when we pray, we all too often pour our concerns out to the Lord. The Lord loves to listen to us in any way, but the blessings we have received at His hand far outweigh our problems. It is important that we keep our struggles in this life in perspective. The apostle Paul said, 'I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.'- Romans 8:29 Again, he said, 'For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.' - II Corinthians 4:17.

If you try, you can always see the problems. But, you can also choose to see God's blessings. They are right in front of us, but we allow the distractions to take front and center stage. Choose to see God in all that you do. Choose to be thankful. Choose joy over grouchiness. It is important to be thankful, but it is equally important to give thanks. Express your gratitude to the Lord. When you decide to experience the joy that God has intended for you, a sparkle in your eye and a skip in your step will replace that frown.

Also, be sure to let other's know how thankful you are for them. Very few things will encourage a brother or sister more than to hear your sincere expressions of appreciation that you have for them. You can do this by calling them, dropping a note in their church mail box, sending an e-mail, or by praising them to someone else. You can be sure that whatever you do will make its way back to the source. Make certain that what comes back is something that builds one another up in the Lord.

Have a Great Week!!

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. -Ephesians 4:15-16

Good News!
The angels in heaven rejoiced last Sunday as Travis Abraham became a Christian when he was baptized into Jesus Christ. Be sure to welcome Travis into the family of God.

His address is:
1912 Strand Ave.
Post Falls, ID 83854
(208) 651-3803

Senior Saint's Christmas Party
Old Fashioned Sleigh Ride & Potluck
Saturday, December 18th at 12:30 p.m.
Stillwater Ranch (20 minutes North of Spirit Lake).

Sleigh ride with Clydesdale horses all decked out with bells. Trails through the woods on a 50 acre ranch. They are able to help anyone with a disability onto the sleigh. There will be a warming building with wood stove, hot cider and picnic tables.

Fee $15.00 per person - in lieu of gift exchange. Same drill as before: Meet at the Fredrikson's at 12:30 p.m. to drop off potluck food and to carpool. Bring a sack lunch and blanket. Afterwards, back to the Fredrikson's for potluck.

We are fortunate to get this date - we need a head count ASAP. Talk to Keith or Carole Fredrikson after church or call them at 623-6133 or Kim at the church office. Potluck sign-up sheet can be found on the kiosk. Invite your friends or neighbors - this would be a great outreach.

Thanks Senior Saints for the pizza party. It was GREAT!
-The Teens

Bible Builders
Children's Sunday A.M. Bible Class
Please help us congratulate our top Bible Builders. For the last three months our children have been working very hard earning points for the Reward Store.
Top 4yr. - K grade: Joshua Rude - 195 points
Top 1st - 3rd grade: Bogan Frahm - 240 points
Top 4th - 6th grade: Jenna Davis - 234 points

Be sure to ask them the twelve sons of Jacob.

Time for Christmas Wish Lists!
Every year we like to reach out to families who may have had a hard year and would like a little help from their brothers and sisters in making their children's wishes come true. Wish lists can be filled out for your children or a family you know of in need. Requests are anonymously placed on ornaments and will be hung on the church's Christmas tree. It is an exciting time where everyone receives a special gift. There is true happiness in buying a gift for a child you don't know! You can find wish list forms available on the church kiosk and return them to the church office by November 28. If you have any questions, please call Lorraine Robinson (208) 691-8719.

Astoria Church - Coat Give Away
Jim and Diane Rude at the Astoria Church of Christ are asking for donations of coats and blankets to provide warmth to those in need. There is a box in the lobby for your donations. For more information please see Betty Rude.

Ski Trip to Schweitzer - December 20
Yes! In four more weeks there will be plenty of snow on the mountain to go skiing (I hope!). If you have any questions, see Dave Shaner. There is a sign-up form on the kiosk.
Student cost with your own equipment - $17
Adult cost with your own equipment - $35
Student cost with rental equipment - $29
Adult cost with rental equipment - $50

Budget Time
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 1. You may turn them in to the office, Tim Frahm, or LaMont Petersen.

Thank You!

A warm thank you to all who contributed to Orphan Sunday. Your outpouring of love and generosity for these children, proves that this church really knows how to care for others. Lifeline of Hope will be very pleased and so will God.
-LeeAnn Freshour

Thank you everyone for your continued prayers for my heart. It is improving every day.
-Betty Wilhoite

Calendar of Events
Nov. 30 - 6:30 a.m. - Prayer Breakfast at JB's
Nov. 30 - 10:30 a.m. - Sew N' Love Ladies Bible Class
Dec. 2 - Bible Class Teachers Banquet
Dec. 4 - C.C.S. Craft Fair/ Lunch from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Dec. 11 - N.W. Bible Bowl Challenge at Dalton
Dec. 12 - Winter Class Quarter Begins
Dec. 14 - Elders/Deacons/Ministers/Wives Dinner
Dec. 16 - C.C.S. Christmas Program 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 18 - Senior Saints Christmas Party & Potluck
Dec. 19 - Shaner Family Christmas Open House
Dec. 20 - Ski Trip at Schweitzer

Prayer Requests

Anita Poland is at home recuperating from having her right knee replaced.

Pat Irmer is recovering from an infection in her foot.

Howard Rude, Sr., is doing better and is at home resting.

Betty Wilhoite is recovering well from knee surgery and other complications.

Pray for Robin Utter as she prepares for surgery.

Sherrian Bersi, Sandra Welch's mother, is going through depression dealing with the scars of surgery. Sandra has asked us to pray that her mother realizes the blessings of God in her situation.

Pray for Jeremy & Bethany Ashmore, friends of the Slates, who are grieving and dealing with the loss of their two young children in an auto accident at Clark Fork.

George Parrish, Earlene's father, age 97, still needs our prayers during this time of the loss of his wife, Lorraine.

Remember to keep in your prayers: Mike Kish, Matt Rude, Terry Morgan, Lamont Petersen, Jr., Christopher Henrikson, Daniel Moberg, & Cameron Davis, who are serving in Iraq.

Pray for the Kabiye Christians and the Team of Workers. The dry season is beginning in Togo, with extreme heat and dust storms. But, there are blessings in the difficulties. Farming comes to a standstill, and the people have lots of time to listen to God's word. More are converted each year during this season. Pray for David, Becky, and all the team.

The Archers are now in Cape Town, South Africa, elbow deep in the Lord's work there.

Ray & Karen Rayburn are temporarily employed in North Pole, Alaska.

Continue Praying For...... Leona Howard, The Roberts family, Shelly Rainboldt, Dewayne Ray, Leona Baker, Don Pederson.

New Winter Address
Jerry & Christine Welch
2871 Moonlight Dr.
Bullhead City, AZ 86442

Mike's Memos.....

Bible Bowl with Richland -
Saturday afternoon, Dec. 11th
Pre-Bible Bowl Quiz - Wed. night, Dec. 8th
Food Fight Saturday morning - Dec. 11th

Study Luke 1 - 10. I plan to take the test too, and I bet I beat you!!! We appreciate Warren & Lynn Brown who are making up the test questions.

Teens and others Ski trip - December 20th
More Info and a sign-up sheet are on the kiosk.

Luke 12:34 - For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

It's very sobering to be honest about all the time we DON'T have for God because of the time we have to have for "things". There's nothing innately wrong with having "things", but when we have time for "things" but not for God, will anyone argue which is more important?

The very "things" that God gave us as gifts, now threaten to become more important to us than the Giver.

In my experience, the typical Christian does not have a satisfying prayer life, or devotional life. They struggle to read God's Word more than a few minutes a day. They live a roller coaster life of what I call "new years resolution Christianity".

It may sound overly simplistic but I believe one of the greatest causes of this is "things". How much time could we free up to spend with God if we:

-- Were satisfied with our current income instead of always pursuing a growing income?
-- Had adequate cars, homes and clothes that cost less to buy, less to maintain, less to insure rather than always buying newer and better?
-- Fasted from entertainment and recreation on certain days of the week, especially TV, movies and the Internet?
-- Had presentable, functional homes and yards rather than replicas of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon?
-- Played and watched less sports? Shopped less? Ate out less?
-- Got rid of the 75% of "stuff" we have that we don't really need but spend lots of time organizing, cleaning and garage selling to make room for more stuff?
-- Quit upgrading everything in our life to improve our lifestyle and status?
-- Made income and purchasing decisions based on what glorified God and not what improved our lifestyle?

Let me say again, there's is nothing wrong with the "things" themselves. It's the time and devotion that "things" steal from us. We fellowship daily with our things by taking care of, buying and maintaining them... not to mention the never-ending pursuit of a growing income so that we can buy even more "things".

Where is your treasure?
(from Brent Riggs e-mail daily devotionals)

C.C.S. CORNER SCHOOL NEWS
Soggy Leaves
by Tony Horning from Apples & Chalkdust

Jamie came to school one morning with a rolled-up towel that secured his priceless treasure. Waiting to share was frustrating for both Jamie and Mr. Taylor. This little boy, eager to share his discovery, interrupted lesson after lesson.

When Jamie's time finally came, the students formed a circle on the floor. Jamie lowered his towel to the floor with such care and slowly unrolled it to reveal a handful of old, soggy, brown leaves from his yard - not the beautiful and colorful leaves of autumn with their vibrant reds and yellow; just plain, old, brown leaves.

As Mr. Taylor looked around that circle, he was surprised to see on the children's faces amazement, wonder, and joy!

Listening to the class you would have thought they were staring into the Grand Canyon. Captivated, these children held those soggy leaves as if they were newborn kittens.

There in the circle, the teacher became the student. For a brief moment, Mr. Taylor could remember a time when the simplest things in life brought wonder and joy to him as well.

During this holiday season take some time to relive the simple joys in God's creation.

Love, Mrs. Lynelle Dehlbom

This years CCS Christmas Program is
'Grandpa's Christmas Story'
Mark your calendars to join us on
Thursday, December 16th at 7 p.m.

DON'T FORGET TO SAVE YOUR BOX TOPS!
(They can be placed in the box on the kiosk - Thanks!)

The CCS library has National Geographic magazines dated 1966-1985 for sale for $1.00 each. If you are interested please, contact Georgette Rude at 772-9833.

CCS Craft Fair Baked Goods

There is a sign up sheet on the kiosk for anyone who would like to donate items for the PTO baked goods booth. Items may be dropped off at the school office on Friday or at the booth on Saturday morning. Thank you for your support of our school, students and teachers!

Gift wrap, ribbons and bows are still needed for the PTO gift wrapping service that we will be offering at the Craft Fair (Costco has great deals on gift wrap). Thank you so much to everyone who has so generously donated in so many ways!

TO SERVE December 5^th, 2004

Contact Warren Brown ASAP if you are unable to serve.

Assembly Times:

Sunday:

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

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